Microsoft has finally addressed a peculiar bug that left certain Windows 10 users scratching their heads and pulling their hair out in frustration. If you’ve been unable to update or uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store recently, you’re not alone. A bizarre quirk in how app updates are managed made it impossible for some users to update—or even remove—apps from the store. Thankfully, a fix has now rolled out, but let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what happened and how you can resolve it on your Windows system. Spoiler alert: It’s not as complicated as it may seem, although optional updates always come with their own considerations.
The bug was apparently tied to the WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK)—the platform toolkit managed by Microsoft to standardize app development. Introduced with version 1.6.2 on November 12, 2024, this SDK version inadvertently caused issues in Windows 10’s Microsoft Store. Through no fault of a standard Windows 10 security patch or OS update, this bug created a scenario where apps dependent on the latest WinAppSDK would trigger the error during update attempts or fail to uninstall properly.
To break it down step by step:
It’s important to note that KB5046714 is an optional update. This means it may not automatically install on your system unless you go to Windows Updates and manually select it. Microsoft typically offers optional updates for early adopters to test fixes before rolling them into the next month’s full system updates.
For cautious types: waiting for the automated rollout (scheduled for December 10, 2024) eliminates concerns about breaking changes—because even updates meant to fix bugs can occasionally introduce new ones.
How to get KB5046714:
However, Microsoft inadvertently shipped WinAppSDK 1.6.2 with compatibility issues, likely because of subtle changes in code that conflicted with processes in Windows 10 22H2, the most recent version of the OS. This wasn’t a traditional Windows update problem, but rather, an issue tied to the app platform that many Microsoft Store apps depend on.
It’s worth adding that confusion like this is common with deeply integrated parts of an operating system. The Microsoft Store relies on frameworks like WinAppSDK to manage app updates natively. Any errors introduced in those frameworks can cascade into user-visible bugs, like apps behaving badly or unhelpful error messages.
For users, the situation can feel frustrating, especially with vague error messages like "Something happened on our end." It’s fair to say that Microsoft could invest more effort in making error reporting clearer—for example, something like, “The WinAppSDK encountered an issue. Please update your system to resolve the problem.” Isn’t that infinitely better?
Meanwhile, for those affected, the cure is in sight! With the patch available now and public rollout not far off, this unfortunate hiccup will soon be behind everyone.
Got questions about Windows updates, software tweaks, or Microsoft Store quirks? Let’s get a conversation started in the forum! And if you’re facing other issues that seem immune to updates, get cracking on troubleshooting or exploring reporting channels with Microsoft. It’s what keeps the ecosystem running.
Source: TechRadar Can’t uninstall or update your Microsoft Store apps? Weird Windows 10 bug has just been fixed, thankfully
What Was the Bug?
Imagine you’re trying to update your favorite app or game, and instead of a seamless, one-click process, you’re greeted with the impressively vague (and utterly useless) error: “Something happened on our end.” If unhelpful messages were an Olympic sport, this one might take gold.The bug was apparently tied to the WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK)—the platform toolkit managed by Microsoft to standardize app development. Introduced with version 1.6.2 on November 12, 2024, this SDK version inadvertently caused issues in Windows 10’s Microsoft Store. Through no fault of a standard Windows 10 security patch or OS update, this bug created a scenario where apps dependent on the latest WinAppSDK would trigger the error during update attempts or fail to uninstall properly.
To break it down step by step:
- You would attempt to update or uninstall apps via the Microsoft Store.
- The operation failed with the cryptic message “Something happened on our end.”
- The root of the issue traced back to the WinAppSDK version 1.6.2 or later, which may have been automatically downloaded for apps requiring it.
The Fix: Windows 10 Update KB5046714
The cavalry arrived in the form of Windows 10 Update KB5046714, an optional update released on November 21, 2024. This patch explicitly addresses the issue with WinAppSDK, enabling smoother operations within Microsoft Store apps. By installing this update, users should regain normal functionality to update and uninstall their apps without hiccups.It’s important to note that KB5046714 is an optional update. This means it may not automatically install on your system unless you go to Windows Updates and manually select it. Microsoft typically offers optional updates for early adopters to test fixes before rolling them into the next month’s full system updates.
For cautious types: waiting for the automated rollout (scheduled for December 10, 2024) eliminates concerns about breaking changes—because even updates meant to fix bugs can occasionally introduce new ones.
How to get KB5046714:
- Click Start and go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Under Windows Update, click Check for Updates.
- Scroll to optional updates, find KB5046714, and select it for installation.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, and restart your PC as necessary.
Why Did This Happen?
The root cause sprang up from a level above typical Windows system updates. The WinAppSDK functions as a toolkit that makes life easier for developers building apps. It standardizes how apps interact with the Windows OS, focusing on compatibility and simplifying updates.However, Microsoft inadvertently shipped WinAppSDK 1.6.2 with compatibility issues, likely because of subtle changes in code that conflicted with processes in Windows 10 22H2, the most recent version of the OS. This wasn’t a traditional Windows update problem, but rather, an issue tied to the app platform that many Microsoft Store apps depend on.
It’s worth adding that confusion like this is common with deeply integrated parts of an operating system. The Microsoft Store relies on frameworks like WinAppSDK to manage app updates natively. Any errors introduced in those frameworks can cascade into user-visible bugs, like apps behaving badly or unhelpful error messages.
Additional Fixes in KB5046714
Wondering if installing this optional update is worth it? While the primary fix relates to the Microsoft Store bug, KB5046714 also comes loaded with other goodies, including:- File Management Issue: Previously, when files were copied or dragged/dropped into cloud storage provider folders (like OneDrive), they might have been moved instead of copied. This behavior violated user expectations and could lead to misplaced files. This has now been fixed.
- Windows Activation Bug: Swapping out your computer’s motherboard—something hobbyists and PC enthusiasts might do—could result in a failure to reactivate your Windows license. This issue has now been addressed, ensuring smoother reactivation processes.
Should You Install KB5046714 or Wait?
This is the million-dollar question. Optional updates are a double-edged sword. They frequently bring valuable fixes but have been known to create new issues in some cases. So, should you take the plunge, or wait?Reasons to Install Immediately
- You’ve experienced the app update/uninstallation bug yourself.
- You rely on apps in the Microsoft Store for critical workflows.
- You’ve encountered cloud-storage folder copy/move issues or have recently replaced your PC’s motherboard.
Reasons to Wait
- Your copy of Windows 10 isn’t being affected currently.
- You prefer to avoid optional updates that haven’t gone through widespread testing.
- You want to steer clear of potential bugs introduced by an early rollout.
What This Means for Windows 10 Users
This incident highlights Microsoft’s layered ecosystem where problems can emerge, even if the main system—Windows 10 OS in this case—is functioning fine. It also underscores the challenges Microsoft faces while maintaining different toolkits like WinAppSDK that apps need to operate seamlessly.For users, the situation can feel frustrating, especially with vague error messages like "Something happened on our end." It’s fair to say that Microsoft could invest more effort in making error reporting clearer—for example, something like, “The WinAppSDK encountered an issue. Please update your system to resolve the problem.” Isn’t that infinitely better?
Meanwhile, for those affected, the cure is in sight! With the patch available now and public rollout not far off, this unfortunate hiccup will soon be behind everyone.
Final Thoughts and Related Topics
This particular bug might be resolved, but it serves as a reminder to keep your Windows system updated and understand the different components at play—be it regular updates, frameworks like WinAppSDK, or core Windows features. Bugs, like life, happen. What matters is how quickly and effectively they’re resolved.Got questions about Windows updates, software tweaks, or Microsoft Store quirks? Let’s get a conversation started in the forum! And if you’re facing other issues that seem immune to updates, get cracking on troubleshooting or exploring reporting channels with Microsoft. It’s what keeps the ecosystem running.
Source: TechRadar Can’t uninstall or update your Microsoft Store apps? Weird Windows 10 bug has just been fixed, thankfully
