How to Fix Fix Error 0x80073CFA — Can't Uninstall or Remove App Package on Windows
Getting error 0x80073CFA when trying to remove or uninstall a Windows app? "Removal failed" or "package is in use"? Fix this app removal error.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Working →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Error 0x80073CFA when uninstalling a Store app
- •"Remove-AppxPackage" fails with this error in PowerShell
- •App stuck — can't uninstall or update it
- •Settings → Apps → Uninstall button does nothing or errors
- •"The package could not be removed" message
- •App partially uninstalled — leftover files and registry entries
Common Causes
- ⚠App is currently running or has a background process
- ⚠App is a system-provisioned package that can't be removed normally
- ⚠App package registration corrupted
- ⚠Insufficient permissions to remove the package
- ⚠App is depended on by another app or system component
- ⚠Previous removal attempt left package in broken state
Solutions
Solution 1: Force Close and Remove
- 1First close the app completely:
- 2Task Manager → find the app → End task
- 3Also check for background processes related to the app
- 4Then try again: Settings → Apps → select app → Uninstall
- 5Or PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
- 6If still fails: restart PC in Safe Mode and try removal
Solution 2: Remove System-Provisioned Apps
- 1Some apps are "provisioned" — they reinstall for new users:
- 2To fully remove: need to remove both user AND provisioned package
- 3PowerShell as Admin:
- 4Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers
- 5Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where DisplayName -like "*appname*" | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online
- 6This prevents the app from reinstalling for new user accounts
Solution 3: Fix Corrupted Package State
- 1If the package is in a broken state:
- 2PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage *appname* | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}
- 3This re-registers the app which may fix the corruption
- 4Then try uninstalling again
- 5If still stuck: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 6Then: sfc /scannow
- 7Last resort: Reset the app first (Settings → Apps → Advanced options → Reset) then uninstall
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Fix Fix Error 0x80073CFA — Can't Uninstall or Remove App Package Automatically
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