4 Ways to Fix “App Removal Failed” Error 0x80073CFA in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• A lack of relevant permissions can prevent you from removing apps, so ensure your user account has administrative privileges.
• If you encounter an error while trying to remove a specific app, try resetting it first via the Settings app.
• If the issue persists, consider uninstalling your apps using PowerShell or performing the uninstallation in clean boot mode.

Fix 1: Reset the Problematic App

If the 0x80073CFA error only occurs while uninstalling a specific app, try resetting it first. This will delete all data from your computer and restore the app to its factory settings.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Installed apps from the list.

Step 2: Scroll down or use the search tool to locate the problematic app. Click the three-dot icon next to it > select Advanced options.

Step 3: Scroll down and click Reset.

Wait for Windows to reset the app, and then try to uninstall it again.

Fix 2: Uninstall the App Using PowerShell

Windows PowerShell also lets you uninstall apps with a few commands. So, if you have trouble removing an app from the Start menu or the Settings app, use the following steps.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type Windows PowerShell, and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Paste the following command and press Enter to view a list of apps on your computer.

Get-Appxpackage -Allusers

Step 3: Scroll through the list to copy the package name of the app you want to remove.

Step 4: Paste the following command in the console and press Enter to remove the app.

Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullName

Replace PackageFullName in the above command with the package name noted in the previous step.

Fix 3: Run the SFC and DISM Scans

If you’re still getting the 0x80073CFA error, some of your PC’s system files may be corrupt or missing. Thankfully, Windows 11 includes some command-line tools—System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management—that can find and repair such damaged system files. Here’s how to run them.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Paste the following command in the console and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Run the DISM scan by entering the following commands one by one.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This might take a while, so be patient. After the scan is complete, restart your PC and see if you can uninstall apps.

Fix 4: Uninstall the App in Clean Boot Mode

Third-party programs and services on your computer can also obstruct the app uninstallation process and cause problems. To avoid any interference, boot your PC in a clean boot state and try to remove the app again.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type msconfig in the Open field, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Services tab > tick the box for Hide all Microsoft services > click Disable all.

Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.

Step 4: Select a third-party app > click Disable. Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.

Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and uninstall the app again.