Fixing Error Code 0x80070216 in Windows 10 and 11: A Complete Guide

Error code 0x80070216 has become increasingly prevalent on computers, manifesting for various reasons. This error can occur during different activities, such as accessing the Microsoft Store, installing Windows updates, or opening Outlook.

This article will explore the potential causes of this error and their corresponding solutions, so make sure to read thoroughly and try the recommended fixes.

When does error code 0x80070216 appear?

This issue may arise if your device encounters one or more of the following situations –

• Corrupted Microsoft Store: Start by troubleshooting the Microsoft Store. If that doesn’t help, consider repairing or resetting the Store, or reinstalling it via PowerShell.
• Issues with updating Windows: Begin by troubleshooting the Windows Update feature. If problems continue, you can reset the Windows Update components or download updates manually.
• Outlook launch failure: Attempt to repair or reset the Outlook application to see if it resolves the 0x80070216 error.

Should none of these solutions work, a complete reset of your PC may be necessary.

Solution: Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80070216

If you encounter the error code 0x80070216 when trying to launch the Microsoft Store or any applications downloaded from it, try the following fixes to address the issue –

1. Use the Store Apps Troubleshooter

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Select System > Troubleshoot.
• Expand the Other troubleshooters section.
• Find the Windows Store Apps option and click the Run button next to it.
• Follow the prompts to allow the system to diagnose and fix any underlying issues.

Navigate to: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps

Hopefully, this resolves the Store error. If it does not, consider the solutions detailed below.

2. Reset the Microsoft Store

If troubleshooting the Microsoft Store does not fix error code 0x80070216, the app may be corrupted—potentially due to interference from third-party security software. Disable any such programs and proceed to reset the Microsoft Store.

While you can reset the Store app through Settings, utilizing the Command Prompt is advisable. Follow these steps:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• In the elevated command window, input the following command –

WSReset.exe

• Once the command runs successfully, the Store app should launch automatically.

At this point, the error code 0x80070216 should hopefully be resolved.

3. Reinstall Microsoft Store using PowerShell

If the error 0x80070216 continues to persist and hinders your ability to download new apps, it may be necessary to reinstall the Microsoft Store. Since uninstalling the Store via Local Settings is unavailable, PowerShell will be your toolkit. Follow these steps:

• Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
• PowerShell will open by default in the terminal.
• Copy and paste the following command and press Enter –

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName

• Wait for a moment for the list of applications to load. Locate Microsoft Store and copy the PackageFullName information next to it.
• Paste this command and hit Enter –

Remove-AppxPackage -package PackageFullName

• Reboot your computer, then check if the issue has been resolved.

Solution: Windows Update Error Code 0x80070216

If the error code 0x80070216 appears while installing Windows updates, consider the following remedies:

1. Utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Press Win + I to access Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot.
• Expand the Other troubleshooters section.
• Under Most Frequent, find Windows Update and click the Run button.

• Follow the on-screen instructions for the system to identify and fix any underlying issues.

Access via: Settings (Win + I) > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

• Find Windows Update, expand it, and click Run the troubleshooter.

2. Reset Windows Update Components

Often, the update error code 0x80070216 may emerge from corrupted files in the Windows Cache Folders. To rectify these issues, resetting the Windows Update Components is necessary.

Start by stopping all critical update-related services and then delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. Post clear-out, rename both folders and restart the services that were halted previously.

3. Manual Download and Installation of Updates

If the troubleshooter and resetting components do not resolve the issue, consider manually downloading and installing the relevant updates. For users on Windows 10, refer to the specific guide provided.

This manual approach should effectively address the error code 0x80070216 related to updates.

Resolving Outlook Error Code 0x80070216

This error code may frequently appear following a Windows Update or new software installation, but it can also occur when launching Microsoft Outlook. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps to repair Outlook:

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Select Apps and next choose Apps & Features.
• Find Microsoft Outlook, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
• Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button.

Updating Windows 10 or 11 might also resolve the Outlook-specific error code 0x80070216 automatically.

What if the Error 0x80070216 Persists?

If you still encounter error 0x80070216 while trying to access the Microsoft Store or while applying Windows updates, consider resetting your PC. Alternatively, download the ISO file for a clean installation on your system.