Cannot Install Enhanced Speech Recognition on Windows 11, Error 0x80073D21

Enhanced Speech Recognition in Windows 11 improves voice typing accuracy and speech-based commands by installing additional language and speech components. However, some users encounter Error 0x80073D21 when trying to install Enhanced Speech Recognition or related speech features from Settings.

This error typically occurs due to corrupted Microsoft Store components, broken system packages, disabled services, incomplete Windows updates, or language pack conflicts. In some cases, damaged system files or app registration problems may prevent speech components from installing properly.

Fixing Error 0x80073D21 requires repairing system components, resetting Microsoft Store services, and ensuring required language packs are properly installed. Follow the steps below carefully.

How to Fix Cannot Install Enhanced Speech Recognition, Error 0x80073D21

Work through the following solutions in order and try installing Enhanced Speech Recognition after each step.

1. Restart Your Computer

Temporary system glitches may block installation.

1. Save your work.
2. Restart Windows 11.
3. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Speech.
4. Try installing Enhanced Speech Recognition again.

A reboot often clears temporary service conflicts.

2. Check Windows Update

Missing updates can cause installation errors.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install all available updates.
5. Restart your PC.

Speech components often rely on updated system packages.

3. Install Required Language Pack First

Enhanced Speech Recognition requires a compatible language.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Time & language.
3. Click Language & region.
4. Confirm your preferred language is installed.
5. Click the three dots next to the language.
6. Select Language options.
7. Install the Speech pack if available.
8. Restart Windows.

Speech recognition cannot install without proper language support.

4. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Store-related corruption may trigger Error 0x80073D21.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type wsreset.exe.
3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the Microsoft Store window to open.
5. Restart your PC.

This clears Microsoft Store cache without deleting apps.

5. Restart Windows Update Service

Required services may be disabled.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Locate Windows Update.
5. Right-click and select Restart.
6. Ensure startup type is set to Automatic.

Installation depends on Windows Update components.

6. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files may block installation.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Restart your PC.

SFC repairs damaged Windows files.

7. Repair Windows Image Using DISM

If SFC does not resolve the issue:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for completion.
4. Restart Windows.

DISM repairs deeper system image corruption.

8. Re-register System Apps

Corrupted app registration may cause the error.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
3. Run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
4. Wait for the process to complete.
5. Restart your PC.

This re-registers built-in Windows apps.

9. Reset Windows Update Components

If installation still fails:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Stop Windows Update services.
3. Rename SoftwareDistribution folder.
4. Restart services.
5. Restart Windows.

Resetting update components resolves package installation errors.

10. Create a New User Account

User profile corruption may cause package installation failures.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Other users.
3. Add a new local account.
4. Log into the new account.
5. Try installing Enhanced Speech Recognition again.

If it works, the original profile may be damaged.

11. Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Last Resort)

If the issue persists:

1. Download the latest Windows 11 installation media.
2. Run setup from within Windows.
3. Choose Keep personal files and apps.
4. Complete the upgrade process.

This repairs system files without data loss.

Final Thoughts

Error 0x80073D21 when installing Enhanced Speech Recognition in Windows 11 is usually caused by corrupted Microsoft Store components, missing language packs, or damaged system files rather than a hardware issue. In most cases, installing the correct language speech pack and repairing system files resolves the problem.