The error is shown during the process of System Restore (when you try to restore your computer to an earlier point) and prevents you from performing a System Restore successfully. Source: AppxStaging Destination: %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x80070091) The error is caused by some problem with the WindowsApps folder. The error code 0x80070091 basically means that the destination directory isn’t empty. So, during the process of System Restore, there’s a folder in the WindowsApps that was supposed to be empty but isn’t. This can be because of an antivirus blocking the process or because of Sync Settings. But since this is happening to the latest versions of Windows 10, we can’t be sure of what exactly is causing the issue. The usual solution would be to simply delete or rename the WindowsApps folder but the folder can only be accessed via TrustedInstaller. So you cannot access or modify this folder. In this article, we will first try to uninstall all the antiviruses and try to run the System Restore without other programs interfering with the process. If that doesn’t solve the problem then the next methods will be to access the WindowsApps folder and rename it so that the System Restore process can carry on.
Method 1: Uninstalling Antivirus Applications
The very first thing you should do is to uninstall any antivirus that you might have on your computer. Antivirus applications are known to interfere with these process and prevents from your computer to perform a successful system restore. Although you can uninstall the antivirus from the Windows own Programs and Features window, but that usually leaves residual files that might cause problems even if you uninstall the antivirus. So it’s better to use a third party tool named Revo Uninstaller that will not only delete the application but will also help you clear up any residual files. Now try to do the system restore again to see if the problem is solved.
Method 2: Using Windows Recovery Environment
Performing a system restore from the Windows Recovery Environment might also be proven successful especially if it is interrupted because of some other programs. Once the computer restarts, you will be taken to the Windows Recovery Environment screen with options to Continue, Troubleshoot and Turn off your PC. You can navigate to the System Restore option from this environment by following the given steps Now the computer will ask you to select the System Restore Point. Select the Restore Point that you want to go to and follow the on-screen instructions from there.
Method 3: System Restore from Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a mode for Windows that runs only the minimalistic interface with just the required programs. This way, you can make sure that no other program like antiviruses are interfering with your System Restore. Now your computer will enter the Safe Mode which means only the programs that are necessary will be running so there won’t be any interruptions. Now perform a System Restore from this Safe Mode by doing the steps given below Now wait for the restore to complete.
Method 4: Changing WindowsApps Permission from Safe Mode
The problem can be solved either by deleting or renaming the WindowsApps folder. But WindowsApps folder cannot be accessed and, therefore, modified through my computer or by any other regular means. So in this process, you will use the Command Prompt to run some commands which will give you access to the WindowsApps folder so that you can rename the WindowsApps folder. Once in the Safe Mode, you need to follow the steps given below Basically in the first line, you are going to the directory where the WindowsApps folder is. When you are there, only then will you be able to make changes. takeown /f WindowsApps /r /d Y icacls WindowsApps /grant “%USERDOMAIN%%USERNAME%”:(F) /t attrib WindowsApps -h rename WindowsApps WindowsApps.old In the second line, you are taking the ownership of the WindowsApps folder as the current user. By taking the ownership of the WindowApps you are taking the ownership of all its content as well. You will have to wait a while after running this command. In the third line, you are granting full control over the directory and, therefore, the WindowsApps folder. This is needed because you need to rename the WindowsApps folder. You will be able to see a message “Successfully processed xxxxx files: Failed to process x files”. If all goes well, you shouldn’t see any failed processed files. In the fourth line, you are making the WindowsApps folder unhidden. Because if it is hidden, you won’t be able to rename the folder And, in the last line, you are simply renaming the WindowsApps folder to WindowsApps.old. You can name it to anything but using the word old will help you remember which one is the renamed folder. Once this is done, you should be able to run System Restore successfully. After completing the above steps, reboot your computer and try to run System Restore again.
Method 5: Renaming WindowsApps Folder with Process Hacker and Explorer++
Although method 4 works perfectly but it might be a little too technical for people who aren’t so tech savvy. So this method will use third party applications like Process Hacker and Explorer++ to get access to the WindowsApps folder and rename it. The only difference is, you won’t need to run any commands so it’s a little straight forward. So follow the steps given below Go here and download both the x32 and x64 TrustedInstaller plugin zip files (by clicking on the links). These are the plugins that are needed for Process Hacker to get access to WindowsApps folder.
Go here and download the Explorer++. Pick the version suitable for your Windows version. Download the file and extract it somewhere where you can find it easily.
Now you have renamed the WindowsApps folder and your System Restore should work fine now. Close all programs and windows and try to perform a System Restore.
Method 6: Renaming WindowsApps using Unlocker 1.9.2
Unlocker is another third party tool that can be used to access files and folders that can only be access with TrustedInstaller. If methods 4 and 5 didn’t work or you aren’t comfortable with using those then you can follow this method which is a lot easier and requires only 1 third party tool. You will use Unlocker to access WindowsApps folder and rename it. Once renamed, you will easily be able to perform the System Restore. Go here and download the Unlocker tool by clicking on the link named as Download@MajorGeeks. Once downloaded, follow the steps given below. Now wait for the Installation to finish and click Finish Now reboot your computer and then run the System Restore. Now you should be able to perform a successful System Restore.
Method 7: Turn off Sync Settings
Although rarely, but turning off Sync Settings solves the problem with System Restore as well. Now close the settings windows and reboot your computer. Check if you can perform the system restore successfully.
Fix: The Directory is Not Empty Error 0x80070091Fix: To use System Restore, you must specify which Windows Installation to…Fix: System Restore Failed to Extract the File from the Restore PointFix: System Restore Failure with Error 0x81000203
