The error 0x80070216 is quite common these days and may appear owing to different reasons on your computer. For example, this may occur while launching Microsoft Store, installing pending Windows updates, or simply while opening Outlook.
Whatever the reasons behind its occurrence are, this post covers all such causes and their solutions. So, read this article till the end and attempt the fixes moving forward.
When does the error code 0x80070216 occur?
This error may occur when your device meets one or more of the following conditions –
- Corrupted Microsoft Store: Try troubleshooting MS Store first. If this doesn’t work, repair/reset it or simply reinstall it using PowerShell.
- Error 0x80070216 while installing pending updates: Consider troubleshooting Windows Update first. In case the problem persists, reset Windows Update components, or manually download and install pending updates.
- Error opening Outlook: Repair/Reset this app and check if the error 0x80070216 resolves.
If neither of the above solutions works, simply reset your PC.
Tip: Since we all know third-party antivirus programs are known to interact with system apps and make them corrupt, you should disable any security app installed on your computer.
Fix: Store Error Code 0x80070216
If you are getting an error code 0x80070216 while launching the Microsoft Store or apps downloaded from it, try the fixes below and check if they address this issue –
1. Run Store Apps Troubleshooter
- Press Win + I and select System > Troubleshoot.
- Click to expand Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Windows Store Apps and hit the Run button available on it.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions and let the system find and resolve underlying causes.
Note: Facing this issue on Windows 10 PC? Well, browse to the below path and hit Run the troubleshooter. The troubleshooter will automatically find and resolve the reasons behind Store apps’ corruption.
Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps
I hope the Store error resolves after this. If not, attempt the solutions discussed below.
2. Reset Microsoft Store
In case the troubleshooting Microsoft Store doesn’t resolve the error code 0x80070216, the Store app must have been corrupted somehow. This might be due to the presence of third-party security apps. Disable all such software and reset the Windows Store.
Though you can reset the Store app via Settings, we suggest doing so using CMD. Here are the steps to work on –
- Launch Command Prompt as administrator first.
- On the elevated console, execute this command –
WSReset.exe
- After this code runs successfully, the Store app will launch afterward.
Hopefully, the error 0x80070216 should be resolved by now.
3. Reinstall Microsoft Store via PowerShell
If the error 0x80070216 is still appearing and preventing you from downloading new apps, you better reinstall the Store app. Since there is no way to uninstall Microsoft Store via Local Settings, use PowerShell to attain this. Here’s what you need to do next –
- Press Win + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
- The terminal will default land into Windows PowerShell.
- Copy/paste the below code and press Enter –
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName
- Wait for a few seconds while the app list is loading. Once it is over, locate the Microsoft Store and copy what’s in the column of PackageFullName next to it.
- Now, copy/paste the below command and press Enter –
Remove-AppxPackage -package PackageFullName
Note: Make sure to replace PackageFullName with the one that you copied before. This command will uninstall the Store app first and then install it back.
- Restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.
Fix: Update Error Code 0x80070216
If you are encountering an error code 0x80070216 while installing pending updates, try out the following fixes –
1. Run Update Troubleshooter
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Select System > Troubleshoot.
- Click to expand Other troubleshooters.
- Under Most frequent, locate Windows Update and hit the Run button.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions and let the system find and resolve underlying causes.
Note: If you are getting this error code on Windows 10, reach out to the below path and hit Run the troubleshooter.
Settings (Win + I) > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters
- Locate Windows Update and when it expands, hit the button – Run the troubleshooter.
2. Reset Update Components
Many a time, the update error 0x80070216 may also occur due to the corruption inside Windows Cache Folders. To repair corrupted files or folders, you must reset the Windows Update Components.
Stop all essential update-related services first and then purge contents inside the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. After you clear all the contents by renaming the above-mentioned two folders, restart the services that you have stopped before.
3. Manually Download and Install Pending Updates
In case, neither the troubleshooter nor resetting update components address this issue, you may download and install the standalone package manually as well. For Windows 10, follow this tutorial instead.
As you are installing updates manually, this should resolve the update error code 0x80070216.
How do I fix Outlook Error Code 0x80070216?
Though this error code occurs mostly after a Windows Update or after you install new software, this may also sometimes appear while opening Microsoft Outlook. If that’s the case, you need to repair the Outlook app by following these easy steps –
- Launch Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Apps and then Apps and Features.
- Locate Microsoft Outlook, click the three vertical dots, and choose Advanced options.
- On the succeeding window, scroll down to the Reset section and hit the Repair button.
There is a possibility that updating Windows 11/10 will automatically resolve the Outlook error code 0x80070216 on your PC.
What if Error 0x80070216 is still occurring?
In case the error 0x80070216 still persists while opening the Microsoft Store or installing Windows updates, you may try resetting your Windows PC. Or, simply download the ISO file and Clean Install it on your computer.
