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One of the issues you may face is the System Restore error 0x80070091. This particular error can hinder the system restore process and prevent you from getting back on track with your PC. 

Luckily, with the right approach, you can solve the error relatively quickly.

What Is the Windows 10 System Restore Error 0x80070091

Error 0x80070091 often happens during the system restore process and leaves you with an unchanged system state.

The root of this issue often lies in directory corruption within the WindowsApps folder, a critical component of the Windows operating system that manages applications installed from the Microsoft Store.

What Causes Error 0x80070091

The System Restore error 0x80070091 in Windows 10 usually happens because the WindowsApps folder gets messed up. Other reasons might include:

  • File system errors: Errors within the file system can prevent System Restore from accessing or modifying necessary files, leading to the error.

Also read: How to Find and Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 10?

  • Interference from antivirus software: Occasionally, antivirus or security software can interfere with System Restore, mistakenly identifying it as a malicious activity.
PRO TIP
Try switching to a different antivirus that is fully compatible with Windows 10, such as Auslogics Anti-Malware. 
  • Insufficient permissions: Lack of proper permissions to access or modify the WindowsApps folder or other system directories can trigger this error.
  • Pending updates or system changes: Sometimes, recent updates or changes to the system that haven’t been fully integrated or require a restart can conflict with the System Restore process.

Step-by-Step Solutions for Resolving the 0x80070091 Error

Getting rid of the 0x80070091 error is rather straightforward. All you need to regain control of your system is go through the steps below:

Step one: Enter Safe Mode

Before you attempt a fix, it’s a good idea to first start your PC in Safe Mode. 

What is Safe Mode?
“Safe Mode loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and can help circumvent the error during the system restore process.”
  • Restart your computer. As it begins to reboot, hold down the “Shift” key and select the “Restart” option from the Windows Start menu.
  • Upon restart, you’ll be greeted with the “Choose an option” screen. Navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup settings” and click “Restart.”
  • Once the computer restarts again, press “5” or “F5” to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

Step two: Rename the WindowsApps folder

With your computer in Safe Mode, the next step is to rename the WindowsApps folder, where the corruption causing the error 0x80070091 is likely housed.

  • Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).”
  • Type the following command to gain access to the WindowsApps directory: takeown /f “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /r /d y and press Enter.
  • Next, to grant full permissions to the folder, type: icacls “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /grant “%USERDOMAIN%\%USERNAME%”:(F) /t and press Enter.
  • Finally, rename the WindowsApps folder by typing: ren “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” WindowsApps.old and press Enter

Step three: Perform System Restore again

With the WindowsApps folder renamed, try to restore your system again. This time, everything should go without a hitch.

  • Go to the Start menu, type “Create a restore point,” and press Enter.
  • In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore” button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and initiate the restoration process.

Alternative Solutions for Fixing the 0x80070091 Error

If you were unable to resolve the error with the steps above, consider these alternatives:

  • Use the Check Disk utility by typing chkdsk /f /r in the Command Prompt (admin) to find and repair disk errors.
  • Run the System File Checker tool by entering sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt (admin) to repair corrupted system files.
  • Use the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool by entering DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the Command Prompt (admin) to fix Windows corruption errors that could be causing the System Restore error.
“ Before making any significant changes to your system settings or attempting fixes, ensure that your data is backed up. While these steps are designed to solve the error 0x80070091 without affecting your personal files, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.”

Also read: Windows Command Prompt: 28 Most Useful CMD Commands

Windows 10 System Restore Error 0x80070091: Fixed

Fixing the System Restore error 0x80070091 might seem tough, but it’s definitely doable. The secret to fixing it is to tackle the problem step by step and to know your way around Windows 10. 

Starting your computer in Safe Mode can prevent many background processes from interfering with the fix. From there, renaming the WindowsApps folder through command-line instructions allows System Restore to proceed without the error. Being familiar with Command Prompt operations and other Windows admin tools will be very helpful as well.