When installing a program on your Windows computer, the go-to destination is typically the Microsoft Store. Accessible by clicking the Start button and locating the tiled shortcut in the main menu, the Microsoft Store allows you to search for and install the desired app onto your computer.
The Microsoft Store contains thousands of apps, games, tools, and software you can install on your Windows PC. All you need to do is click on the app, then hit the Get button. However, there are times when you encounter some hiccups, such as the error code 0x80073cf4 when moving Microsoft Store apps. These installation issues usually happen when some of the requirements for the installation are not met.
This article will discuss what is error code 0x80073cf4 on Windows 10/11, why it happens, and how you can fix it.
What is Error Code 0x80073cf4 on Windows 10/11?
The error code 0x80073cf4 is an installation error that occurs when you download an app from the Microsoft Store or move an app from one drive to another. This occurs often when the app or program involved has a large file size.
Expert Tip: For smoother PC performance, consider using a PC optimization tool. It handles junk files, incorrect settings, and harmful apps. Make sure it's right for your system, and always check the EULA and Privacy Policy.
Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.
Here is the error message that usually comes with this problem:
We couldn’t move [app]
The operation did not complete successfully. Try again in a bit.
The error code is 0x80073cf4, in case you need it.
You can always try again the action that triggered the error, but you’ll most likely end up with the same problem in the end.
What Causes Error Code 0x80073cf4?
This is a simple error with a very clear cause: lack of disk space.
The main reason you’re getting this error is because your computer does not have enough storage space for the new installation or the destination drive you’re trying to move the app to does not have enough room for it.
Because the reason behind the error is clear, you can easily come up with the most effective error code 0x80073cf4 fix.
How to Fix Error Code 0x80073cf4
The 0x80073cf4 error is actually a very basic problem. If you don’t have enough disk space on your hard disk for the new app from Microsoft Store, the obvious solution is to free up some space for it. But before you do, it would help to know how much disk space you have left and how much you actually need for the app.
To know your available storage space, do the following:
- Click File Explorer from the Taskbar or open any folder on your computer.
- Click This PC from the left menu.
- Under Devices and drives, look for the drive in question, then check the available space below it.
To find out how much space you need for the app, you can either check the download page of the app where the approximate size of the installer is written under the Additional information section or check the actual size of the file by right-clicking on it then selecting Properties. This would give you an idea of how much space you need to clear to make room for the app. We recommend clearing a bigger space than what you actually need to improve your computer’s performance as well.
So, the main error code 0x80073cf4 fix is actually to free up some space on your hard drive, and there are several ways you can do that:
Method #1: Uninstall Apps That You Don’t Use.
One of the easiest ways to free up your storage is to get rid of the programs that you no longer need or use. Simply go to Control Panel, click Uninstall a program under the Programs section, then scroll down the list to remove those that have been sitting unused on your Windows PC.
Method #2: Delete All Junk Files.
An easy way to get the job done is to use a PC Cleaner, such as Outbyte PC Repair, to remove unnecessary files on your system. This tool helps optimize Windows by deleting old files, cached data, old downloads, temporary files, deleted files in the Recycle bin, and other junk files.
Method #3: Move the Apps.
Your last option is to move your apps to another drive or partition that has a bigger space. It could be another drive or an external drive that is connected to your system. This is usually done for apps or programs that take up a lot of space on your main hard drive. Most apps from Microsoft Store can be moved to another drive so that it wouldn’t slow down when the files get too big. Transferring some of your apps to another drive is also recommended, particularly for SSDs, to make sure that the boot up drive where Windows is installed has enough room to operate.
To move your apps, follow the steps below:
- Click Start, then open Settings by clicking the gear icon.
- Click on Apps > Apps & features.
- Choose the app that you want to move. You’ll know which apps can be moved when the Move button is not grayed out.
- Click the Move button.
- Choose the destination drive where you want to transfer the app.
- Click the Move button once again.
Do these for all the apps you want to move. Take note that you can only do these for apps that were installed from the Microsoft Store.
You can also set up Microsoft Store to install the apps on a separate drive, instead of your primary hard drive. Here’s what you need to do:
- Click Start > Settings.
- Click on System, then select Storage.
- Go to the Save locations section.
- Under New apps will save to, choose the new drive location.
After this has been set up, all the new apps you download from the Microsoft Store will be installed on the drive that you specified above.
Summary
Installing programs or apps on your Windows computer from Microsoft Store is a basic task that should be easy to complete. If you’re getting the error code 0x80073cf4, then it means that you don’t meet all the requirements for the installation to be completed. Reviewing your storage space and making room for your new installations should easily resolve this problem.