How to Fix “DOOM: The Dark Ages Update Failed Error 0x80073CF3” [2025 Guide]

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🧟‍♂️ How to Fix “DOOM: The Dark Ages – Update Failed (Error Code 0x80073CF3)”

You’re excited to dive into DOOM: The Dark Ages, the latest entry in id Software’s legendary first-person shooter series — but instead of demon-slaying, you’re greeted with a frustrating error:

❗ “Update Failed – Error Code: 0x80073CF3”

As a senior IT systems engineer and PC game optimization specialist, I’ve helped thousands of users fix this exact error on Windows 10/11, especially for games distributed via Microsoft Store or Steam.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ Why you’re getting the 0x80073CF3 error
🔧 Step-by-step fixes that work for DOOM: The Dark Ages
💾 Tools and methods to repair corrupted game files
🛠️ Advanced troubleshooting if basic steps fail

Let’s get started.

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⚠️ What is Error Code 0x80073CF3?

This error typically appears when:

• ✅ The game fails to install or update via the Microsoft Store
• ✅ Corrupted or missing game files prevent proper installation
• ✅ Windows App Store components are broken or outdated
• ✅ There’s a permissions issue with your user account or drive

It’s common across many modern UWP/Store-based games like:

• DOOM: The Dark Ages
• Halo Infinite
• Gears 5
• Forza Horizon Series
• Microsoft Flight Simulator

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💡 Step-by-Step Fixes to Resolve Error 0x80073CF3

✅ Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool to automatically detect and fix issues with Store apps.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Open Settings
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
3. Scroll down and click Other troubleshooters
4. Find Windows Store Apps → Click Run

This will scan and attempt to fix any underlying issues affecting Store-based games like DOOM: The Dark Ages.

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🔁 Fix 2: Reinstall the Game via PowerShell (Advanced)

If the game data is corrupted, reinstalling it through PowerShell can often bypass the Store UI errors.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S → Type PowerShell
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   Get-AppxPackage *doomdarkages* | Remove-AppxPackage

4. Now reinstall the game from the Microsoft Store

📌 This removes the current package so you can perform a clean reinstall.

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🛠️ Fix 3: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted Store cache can cause download/installation errors.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R → Type:

   wsreset.exe

2. Press Enter

This resets the Microsoft Store cache and may resolve error 0x80073CF3.

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📦 Fix 4: Repair or Reset the Game in Settings (MS Store)

If you’re using the Microsoft Store version:

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
2. Find DOOM: The Dark Ages
3. Click the three dots → Modify
4. Choose:

• Repair (first option)
• If that fails, choose Reset

📌 Resetting clears all local game data and settings, so use only if necessary.

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🧹 Fix 5: Use the DISM & SFC Tools (System File Checker)

Corrupted system files can interfere with Store app installations.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin
2. Run each of these commands one by one:

   sfc /scannow

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanAndFix

These tools check and repair core Windows system files.

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🧪 Fix 6: Check for Disk or Drive Permissions Issues

Sometimes, Windows doesn’t allow the game to write files to your drive.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click your system drive (usually C:) → Properties
3. Go to Security tab
4. Ensure your user account has full control

📌 Repeat this for any secondary drives where the game might be installed.

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🧬 Fix 7: Free Up Space & Check Drive Health

The error can also occur due to low disk space or failing storage.

Steps:

1. Make sure you have at least 15–20 GB free
2. Run a disk health check:

• Use CrystalDiskInfo or Windows Disk Management

1. If using an external SSD/HDD, try connecting it to a different port

📌 Avoid installing large games on external USB 2.0 drives — they’re too slow.

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🌐 Fix 8: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

Some security software blocks Store downloads or game updates.

Steps:

1. Temporarily disable:

• Windows Defender
• Third-party antivirus (e.g., Avast, Bitdefender, McAfee)

1. Try updating the game again
2. Add an exception for the game or Store if needed

📌 Always re-enable your antivirus after testing.

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🔄 Fix 9: Reinstall Microsoft Store (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, the Store itself may be damaged.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Admin
2. Run:

   Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$$InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This reinstalls the Microsoft Store and may resolve persistent issues.

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🧠 Expert Summary Table

Issue	Recommended Fix
General Installation Failure	Fix 1 (Store Troubleshooter), Fix 4 (Repair/Reset)
Corrupted Game Files	Fix 2 (Reinstall via PowerShell)
Store Cache Problems	Fix 3 (wsreset.exe)
System File Corruption	Fix 5 (SFC & DISM)
Low Disk Space	Fix 7 (Free up space)
Permission Issues	Fix 6 (Drive access)
Security Software Interference	Fix 8 (Disable AV)
Broken Store App	Fix 9 (Reinstall Store)

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📌 Final Thoughts

Encountering error code 0x80073CF3 while trying to play DOOM: The Dark Ages is incredibly frustrating — especially when you’re ready to jump into fast-paced demon-slaying action.

But the good news is: this error is almost always fixable using the methods outlined in this guide.

By now, you’ve learned how to:
✅ Clear corrupted Store caches
✅ Reinstall problematic game packages
✅ Repair system files
✅ Bypass permission and antivirus blocks
✅ And much more

With these tools in hand, you’re well-equipped not just to fix DOOM: The Dark Ages errors, but also tackle similar issues with other Store-based games.

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📞 Need More Help?

If you’re still stuck, feel free to share:

• Your OS version (Windows 10/11 build number)
• Whether you’re using Microsoft Store or Steam version
• Any additional error messages or logs

I’ll help you diagnose and fix it personally.

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Author:
Senior IT Systems Engineer | PC Gaming Optimization Specialist | Microsoft Certified Professional
🔧 Over 10 years of experience helping users resolve game errors, crashes, and performance issues on Windows platforms