If you're a Windows 10 user and have recently been faced with the cryptic yet profoundly unhelpful "Something happened on our end" error when trying to update apps from the Microsoft Store, here's some good news: Microsoft has finally addressed the issue. Let’s dive deep into what's changed, the root cause, how to fix it, and what this means for Windows users moving forward.
Now, Microsoft has pinpointed the problem and rolled out a fix via a Windows update, but the root cause appeared to be more peculiar than you’d expect.
WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK) is a framework that helps developers create modern Windows applications, making it an integral part of the app ecosystem. However, the faulty version of WinAppSDK inadvertently broke the update mechanism for many packaged applications tied to the Microsoft Store.
Interested in the mechanics? The WinAppSDK essentially bridges different components of app development—building blocks like the Windows UI Library (WinUI) or app lifecycle management. A flaw in its latest version caused a catastrophic ripple effect, preventing Microsoft Store apps from successfully updating.
This bug is an example of why Microsoft continues its dual-track updates for Windows 10 and 11 users alike. While Windows 10 users got KB5046714 for this particular fix, parallel updates like KB5046740 (for Windows 11 version 24H2) are rolling out to further distinguish the operating systems with modern features—for instance, Windows 11 is now getting redesigned jump lists and improvements to the taskbar.
If you’re sticking with Windows 10 for stability or hardware limitations, this isn’t a red flag to upgrade yet, but it serves as a reminder to stay on top of these "optional fixes" when they impact day-to-day functionality.
Looking ahead, Microsoft and developers around the globe need to prioritize both quality assurance protocols and robust rollback mechanisms to mitigate issues post-release.
With Windows 10 nearing its twilight years and Microsoft nudging users toward Windows 11, issues like these are an unfortunate speed bump in an otherwise mature OS ecosystem. That said, being proactive with updates can often transform such bugs into minor hiccups rather than extended headaches. Go ahead and grab KB5046714—your apps will thank you!
Source: Neowin Microsoft fixes the bug breaking app updates on Windows 10
What Happened?
Windows 10 users have been reporting issues where app updates—from critical applications like Microsoft Teams to third-party software—would fail consistently, throwing up the ominous "Something happened on our end" error. Naturally, this led to frustration among users who were unable to access new features or security fixes for their apps.Now, Microsoft has pinpointed the problem and rolled out a fix via a Windows update, but the root cause appeared to be more peculiar than you’d expect.
The Culprit: WinAppSDK
Microsoft revealed that this widespread app update failure wasn’t due to one of their infamous Patch Tuesday updates or even a non-security update (as users might have suspected). Instead, the bug was traced to WinAppSDK version 1.6.2, a software development kit released on November 12, 2024. This SDK was quickly pulled after users began reporting problems.WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK) is a framework that helps developers create modern Windows applications, making it an integral part of the app ecosystem. However, the faulty version of WinAppSDK inadvertently broke the update mechanism for many packaged applications tied to the Microsoft Store.
Interested in the mechanics? The WinAppSDK essentially bridges different components of app development—building blocks like the Windows UI Library (WinUI) or app lifecycle management. A flaw in its latest version caused a catastrophic ripple effect, preventing Microsoft Store apps from successfully updating.
The Fix: Install KB5046714
To resolve this downright irritating issue, Microsoft has released KB5046714, a non-security cumulative update targeting Windows 10 version 22H2 (the current final version of Windows 10). Installing this update reportedly resolves the app update failure problem entirely. Here’s how you can ensure you're up to date:Step-by-Step Guide to Install the Update
- Open Settings: Use
Windows + Ito open the Settings app. - Navigate to Updates: Head to
Update & Security > Windows Update. - Check for Updates: Press the "Check for updates" button to fetch the latest updates.
- Install KB5046714: If it's available, install it and restart your computer as prompted.
Important Notes About KB5046714
This update is part of a wave of optional, non-security updates, which are often overlooked by users. Since it isn’t automatically installed, you’ll need to manually intervene as per the steps above. These updates generally include bug fixes and minor performance enhancements rather than vital security patches, which is why most casual users tend to skip them. However, this is one of those instances where skipping could leave you pulling your hair out—a minor exception to the rule.What Does the Future Hold for Windows 10?
While Windows 10 marches toward its quietly looming End of Life (EOL) in October 2025, it still powers roughly 60% of Windows PCs globally. Even Windows 11, with all its bells, whistles, and sometimes unwanted hardware requirements, hasn’t dethroned its predecessor as the dominant version of Microsoft’s OS.This bug is an example of why Microsoft continues its dual-track updates for Windows 10 and 11 users alike. While Windows 10 users got KB5046714 for this particular fix, parallel updates like KB5046740 (for Windows 11 version 24H2) are rolling out to further distinguish the operating systems with modern features—for instance, Windows 11 is now getting redesigned jump lists and improvements to the taskbar.
If you’re sticking with Windows 10 for stability or hardware limitations, this isn’t a red flag to upgrade yet, but it serves as a reminder to stay on top of these "optional fixes" when they impact day-to-day functionality.
Broader Implications for Developers
For developers leveraging the WinAppSDK, this incident is a stark lesson in software version management. Ensuring that release candidates are thoroughly tested across a broader user base could prevent these kinds of embarrassing bugs. Many applications—particularly enterprise-critical ones—depend on such frameworks. When they fail, the domino effect can be massive, as seen here.Looking ahead, Microsoft and developers around the globe need to prioritize both quality assurance protocols and robust rollback mechanisms to mitigate issues post-release.
Key Takeaways
- Issue Highlight: App updates on Windows 10 were failing, throwing "Something happened on our end" errors.
- Root Cause: A bug with WinAppSDK version 1.6.2, not a regular Windows update.
- Resolution: Install KB5046714 to fix the broken app update mechanism.
- Next Steps: Regularly check for important but optional updates to avoid such surprises.
- For Developers: Be cautious with SDK upgrades and test across a wide range of scenarios.
With Windows 10 nearing its twilight years and Microsoft nudging users toward Windows 11, issues like these are an unfortunate speed bump in an otherwise mature OS ecosystem. That said, being proactive with updates can often transform such bugs into minor hiccups rather than extended headaches. Go ahead and grab KB5046714—your apps will thank you!
Source: Neowin Microsoft fixes the bug breaking app updates on Windows 10