[BUG] Claude Desktop Windows installer fails with AddPackage HRESULT 0x80073CF6 — package stuck in NeedsRemediation after "successful" install

claude-desktop-install-issue-report.txt

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

I'm hitting this same issue on Windows [

claude-desktop-install-issue-report (1).txt

10.0.26200], x64, Windows Core edition. Package: Claude_1.24012.9.0_x64__pzs8sxrjxfjjc.

Ran a full diagnostic cycle: confirmed elevation was genuine (Is elevated: true), package consistently shows NeedsRemediation after install/launch even though AppXDeploymentServer log shows the install itself completing successfully. Windows Repair and Reset both fail ("couldn't repair/reset this app"). CoworkVMService starts cleanly per its own log but gets stopped ~10-40s later before the app configures it — no crash dump or Application Error event generated. Ran the official Cowork Readiness Check: machine reports fully ready, and I independently confirmed via secedit that the VM service account (S-1-5-83-0) has correct SeServiceLogonRight with no deny entry — ruling out environment/config causes.

Full details attached. Also opened support ticket (Conversation ID 215475247858468) with no resolution yet.

What Should Happen?

Claude Desktop should install cleanly and remain in a stable, launchable state without reverting to a corrupted (NeedsRemediation) package status. The app should launch successfully after install, and if the Cowork VM component genuinely can't start (e.g., due to environment issues), the installer should report a clear, accurate error rather than silently registering a broken package or showing a misleading "administrator access required" message.

Error Messages/Logs

MSIX installation failed: AddPackage failed: AddPackage failed with HRESULT 0x80073CF6
Administrator access is required to install Claude with full features. You can try again or install without Cowork.

Later attempt, after install "succeeded": app fails to launch with:
"You'll need to go to advanced options for Claude and select Repair. If you're still having issues with it, reinstall this app or contact your administrator."

Get-AppxPackage *Claude* showed:
Status: Modified, NeedsRemediation

Steps to Reproduce

1. Download Claude Desktop installer for Windows (x64) from claude.com/download
2. Run the installer
3. Installer fails with: AddPackage failed: AddPackage failed with HRESULT 0x80073CF6
4. Get-AppxPackage Claude shows Status: Modified, NeedsRemediation
5. Full uninstall (Remove-AppxPackage, AppData cleanup, reboot) then reinstall reproduces the same failure
6. On one attempt, install completed without error, but Claude crashed immediately on launch, and Windows' own Repair/Reset (Settings > Apps > Claude > Advanced options) both failed
7. Ran official Cowork Readiness Check — machine reports fully ready; secedit confirms VM service account permissions are correctly configured, ruling out environment causes

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

N/A — this is Claude Desktop (installer), not Claude Code CLI. Desktop version attempted: 1.24012.9.0

Platform

Other

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

PowerShell

Additional Information

Note: several fields above (Model, Platform, Terminal/Shell) don't cleanly apply since this is a Claude Desktop Windows installer/packaging bug, not a Claude Code CLI issue. Filled with closest applicable values. See attached diagnostic report for full details.