This error code, 0x80004005, is a real pain sometimes. It tends to pop up whenever you’re trying to launch or update a game or app on Windows, especially if it’s tied to Xbox or the Microsoft Store. Usually, it’s just some random system glitch—maybe cache corruption, network hiccups, or some system files throwing a tantrum. I’ve seen this happen after updates or when a system change messes with stuff. It’s a bit frustrating because it’s not always obvious what caused it, but thankfully, there are a handful of things you can try—nothing too crazy.

Getting the 0x80004005 Error in Windows and Xbox Apps Straightened Out

The goal here is to walk through some of the more common fixes—like clearing app caches, fixing network issues, repairing or resetting the Xbox app, and rebooting. They’re not always perfect, but most times, these steps clear the error away. Expect some dabbling with commands, troubleshooting tools, and app settings. The thing is, if you’re stuck with this error, it’s often related to cached data or network problems, so those are good places to start.

Start by Clearing the Microsoft Store Cache

This was the first “a-ha!” moment for me—just resetting the Store cache can do wonders. The cache is like a kind of memory for the Store—if it gets corrupted, weird errors happen. Luckily, clearing it is dead simple. You press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type wsreset.exe and hit Enter. It looks almost too simple, but that command clears the cache and resets the Store without touching your apps or login info. It’s a quick refresh that might just fix the 0x80004005 error if it’s cache-related.

If you want to do it with a bit more control, open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell (right-click, Run as administrator), then type wsreset.exe. A blank Command Prompt window will pop up briefly, then the Store resets and opens on its own. If the cache was the problem, you should see some relief after this. Honestly, I’ve used this a couple of times when things started acting weird after updates or system crashes, and it usually worked like a charm.

Check Your Internet Connection

If the cache isn’t the issue, the next thing to consider is your internet connection. These errors often happen because Windows or Xbox apps can’t communicate properly with Microsoft’s servers. Run Windows’ built-in troubleshooter by searching for “Troubleshoot settings” from the Start menu. Then, find “Network & Internet” and click on “Additional troubleshooters”. Here, look for “Internet Connections” or “Network Adapter”. Hit “Run”.

This will diagnose common network problems—like DNS errors, IP conflicts, or connectivity hiccups—and sometimes fix them automatically. If it doesn’t, it at least points you in the right direction. From my experience, a lot of these errors go away after resetting your network connection. Things like disconnecting and reconnecting Wi-Fi, or doing a quick power cycle of your router (unplug, wait 30 seconds, then plug back in) can make a big difference.

Fix or Reset the Xbox App

Okay, if the cache and network checks don’t do it, the issue might be the Xbox app itself. Sometimes, app files get corrupted or it just doesn’t update properly. So, try repairing or resetting it before going full reinstall mode. Head into Settings > Apps & Features, find the Xbox app, then click on Advanced options.

Here, you’ll see options for “Repair” and “Reset”. Start with Repair—this won’t delete your data, just fixes some broken files. If that doesn’t work, then go for Reset. Keep in mind, resetting will wipe some local data like cached settings, so don’t be surprised if you have to set things up again afterward.

After doing this, restart your PC—full reboot, not just log off. Sometimes the app needs to reload after a reset to clear out any lingering glitches. If all that still leaves you stuck, uninstall the Xbox app from the same Apps menu and reinstall it fresh from the Microsoft Store. It’s more effort, but sometimes necessary.

Give Your System a Fresh Start with a Reboot

Yeah, sounds boring, but don’t underestimate the power of a good restart after all this. It clears temporary files and processes that could be causing issues. If you modified network settings, it’s also smart to restart your router and modem—power off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn everything back on. That’s probably the easiest fix—it’s like giving Windows and your network a fresh slate to start from.

Wrapping Up

So, these steps—clear the Store cache, troubleshoot network issues, repair/reset the Xbox app, and reboot—cover the usual suspects for this error. Honestly, I’ve had situations where just doing those locally fixed the problem, even when nothing else seemed to work at first glance. Usually, the cause boils down to corrupt cache, flaky network, or some app misbehavior after updates. Tackle those first, and you’re generally good.

Don’t forget to double-check that your Windows is fully up to date (Settings > Windows Update). Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches that fix these quirks without you realizing. Also, a quick backup of your important data never hurts just in case you need to do something more involved later on.

Common Questions You Might Have

Why does this 0x80004005 error pop up when launching Xbox or Windows apps?

Mostly, it’s related to corrupted files, cache issues, network problems, or system file glitches. After updates, these things sometimes fall out of sync. It’s frustrating, but troubleshooting the root causes usually sorts it out.

Can I fix this without wiping Windows entirely?

Definitely. Most of the fixes are local—clearing caches, resetting apps, fixing network, or running system repair commands like sfc /scannow or DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. These can fix corrupted system files without full reinstall.

Should I consider resetting my PC if everything else fails?

Pretty much a last resort. Usually, targeted troubleshooting like this gets the job done. Only do a full reset if nothing else works and the error’s big enough to disrupt your workflow—most times, not needed.

Hope this saves someone else a bunch of frustration—took me ages to figure this out, so sharing here in case it helps. Good luck fixing that error, and fingers crossed this pointer set gets you back on track sooner rather than later!