How to fix error 0x803f8001 in Windows

Error 0x803f8001 often occurs when downloading or updating an app from the Windows Store fails. Since the reasons can range from a simple update error to a nasty virus, it is best to do something about the problem. We explain how to fix the error with the Windows Troubleshooter, Windows Store Repair or by simply reinstalling the Windows Store or your Windows apps.

When does error 0x803f8001 occur?

In many cases, error code 0x803f8001 appears when you try to download or update an app from the Windows Store. The message will explain that something went wrong and then display extra information: ‘Here’s the error code, in case you need it: 0x803F8001’. When trying to launch the Minecraft Launcher, 0x803f8001 often pops up. The cause of the error may include the following:

  • Faulty system files
  • Incomplete updates or update errors
  • Registry problems
  • Virus infection

There isn’t usually a serious problem such as a virus, but since error codes like 0x803f8001, 0x80070490, 0x80070643 and 0x80070005 can affect the functionality of the operating system, you should look for the cause as soon as possible. Below, you’ll find the most common solutions.

Tip

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Solutions for error 0x800f0831

The following solutions can help you fix a 0x803f8001 error:

Clear Windows Store cache

A simple problem like a full Windows Store cache is enough to cause the error. To clear the cache, do the following:

  1. Start the Run dialogue by pressing [Ctrl] + [R].
  2. Enter the command wsreset.exe and press [Enter].
  3. When the Command Prompt and Windows Store open, it means that the cache has been successfully emptied.
  4. Restart the computer, open the Windows Store and download the app again.

Reset Windows Store

If clearing the cache does not work, repairing or resetting the Windows Store app can help:

  • Windows 10: Go to Apps in the Windows settings and select the Windows Store from the list. Go to Advanced options and try the Repair item first. If the error still persists, select Reset.
  • Windows 11: Open the Windows settings with [Windows] + [i], go to App and to Installed apps. Now go to the three dots and Advanced options. Under Reset, select Repair. If the error still occurs, try the Reset option.

Reinstall Windows Store

If repairing or resetting the app does not help, try to reinstall the Windows Store. To do this, use Windows PowerShell with administrator privileges:

  1. Windows 10: Enter “PowerShell” in the search line and then right-click on Windows Powershell and select Run as administrator.
  2. Windows 11: Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  3. Enter the following command and then [Enter]: Get-AppXPackage WindowsStore -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode-Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}.
  4. The Windows Store is now reinstalled.
  5. Restart the computer and try to download the desired app.

Reinstall all Windows apps

If other Windows apps are causing the error, you can try reinstalling all pre-installed Windows apps.

  1. Open the Windows PowerShell with administrator rights.
  2. Enter the following command and then click on [Enter]: Get-AppXPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}.
  3. All Windows apps are now reinstalled.
  4. Restart the computer and try to download the app once more.

Use Windows tools SFC and DISM

If the error is caused by corrupt Windows system files, you can repair them with the Windows on-board tools SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management).

  1. Start Command Prompt with [Ctrl] + [R], enter cmd and confirm with [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Enter].
  2. Enter the CMD command sfc /scannow and confirm by clicking on [Enter].
  3. If the verification was successful, restart your computer.
  4. If Windows could not find any damaged files, open Command Prompt again, enter the following commands one after the other and confirm each with [Enter]:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
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  1. Perform a restart and check if the app can now be installed.

If none of the solutions help, you should carry out a complete virus scan with a reliable and up-to-date antivirus software to scan your system for undetected viruses.

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