Microsoft Store Games Won't Install? Fix - 0x80073D26

Your Microsoft Store app installation has stalled, and clicking retry only results in an immediate failure or a frozen interface. This error, 0x80073D26, is caused by a corrupted store cache that prevents your computer from properly registering or updating new software.

Why this happens

The 0x80073D26 error occurs when the Microsoft Store cache becomes corrupted, often following an interrupted update or a failed background download. This corruption blocks the deployment process for new app installations.

What you'll need

You will need administrative access to your Windows user account to run the PowerShell commands and the system file checker.

Steps

1. 01
   Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A black window will appear; leave it open until it closes on its own, which signals that the store cache has been cleared and the Microsoft Store is ready to reopen.
2. 02
   If the store still fails to install your app, right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin). Paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)/AppxManifest.xml"}. You may see red text scroll by, which is normal; let the process finish completely before trying your installation again.
3. 03
   If the issue persists, keep your admin PowerShell window open and type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files that may be interfering with the store's ability to finalize your app installation.

Still not working?

If you are still receiving the error, check the Windows Update settings to ensure your operating system is fully up to date, as outdated system components can sometimes cause conflicts. If the problem persists specifically with Xbox or Gaming Services, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the Gaming Services app via PowerShell to clear its specific dependency files.

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing the store cache delete my installed games?

No, running wsreset.exe only clears the temporary cache files used by the Microsoft Store; it does not remove your installed games or personal data.

Is the red text in PowerShell a sign of a failed repair?

Not necessarily. When re-registering app packages, red text often appears for individual apps that are already in use or currently being accessed by the system, but the overall command process will still complete successfully.