Struggling with Windows App Installation Errors? Here’s the Official Fix
Have you recently tried to install an application on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine, only to be met with a frustrating error message? If you’ve seen the “Something happened, and we couldn’t start the app installation” notification accompanied by the error code 0x80073D02, you are not alone. This issue has been affecting numerous users, but a solution is now available.
This particular problem prevented users from installing certain apps and was directly linked to a recent set of Windows updates. Here’s what you need to know about the cause and, more importantly, how to fix it for good.
Understanding the Root of the Glitch
The app installation failures began after users installed the August 2023 optional non-security preview updates. These specific updates were identified as the source of the conflict:
- For Windows 11: Update KB5029351
- For Windows 10: Update KB5029331
While preview updates give users early access to new features and fixes, they can sometimes introduce unforeseen bugs. In this case, the update inadvertently disrupted the application installation process on affected systems.
Microsoft Delivers the Solution
In response to user reports, Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band (OOB) update specifically designed to resolve this app installation error. These updates are separate from the regular “Patch Tuesday” security releases and are pushed out to fix critical, non-security-related issues.
The new updates that contain the permanent fix are:
- For Windows 11 (22H2): Update KB5030310
- For Windows 10 (22H2): Update KB5030300
Installing the appropriate update for your operating system will patch the bug and restore normal functionality, allowing you to install applications without encountering the 0x80073D02 error.
Your Action Plan: How to Resolve the App Installation Error
Because this is an optional, non-security update, it may not install automatically. You will likely need to check for it manually. Follow these simple steps to get your system back on track:
- Open Settings: Press
Windows Key + Ior click the Start Menu and select the Settings gear icon. - Navigate to Windows Update: In the Settings menu, click on “Update & Security” (on Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (on Windows 11).
- Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button. Your system will scan for any available new updates.
- Install the Optional Update: You should see the relevant update (KB5030310 or KB5030300) appear in the list, likely as an optional quality update. Click “Download and install” to begin the process.
- Restart Your PC: Once the update is installed, you will be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the changes.
After your computer reboots, the underlying issue will be resolved, and you should be able to install applications without any further errors.
Why Keeping Your System Updated is Crucial
This incident highlights the importance of managing your Windows updates. While optional preview updates can sometimes cause issues, installing official cumulative and security updates is essential for system health. These patches not only deliver new features but also protect you from security vulnerabilities and improve overall system stability.
If you are experiencing this error, taking a few minutes to install the latest optional fix is the most effective way to solve the problem and ensure your PC runs smoothly.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-app-install-issues-caused-by-august-windows-updates/
