Windows 10 Users Face Update Issues Due to WinAppSDK 1.6.2

If you're a Windows 10 user battling pesky error messages like “Something happened on our end” while updating or uninstalling apps, you’re not alone. Starting November 12, countless users have noted these frustrating interruptions—but hold your pitchforks, because the issue isn’t due to your tinkering or a random Windows update.

The Culprit: WinAppSDK 1.6.2​

Here’s where it gets slightly technical but stay with me. The problem originates from an update to WinAppSDK 1.6.2, a core software development kit (SDK) that many Windows 10 apps depend on. Microsoft published this update on (ironically) November 12, and the chaos ensued almost immediately for apps relying on this SDK.
Affected apps fail to update or uninstall, leaving users scratching their heads as even trusted tools like Microsoft Teams malfunction. If your device is running Windows 10 version 22H2, you’re likely among the affected users. Other versions of Windows 10—along with Windows 11—have thankfully dodged this bullet. If you're still resisting the siren song of Windows 11, well, at least you're in good company.
Let’s delve deeper into the tech under the hood before moving on to fixes.

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What is WinAppSDK and Why Does It Matter?​

WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK), previously referred to as Project Reunion, is Microsoft's toolkit tailored for app developers. It serves as a bridge between legacy (Win32) apps and modern (UWP - Universal Windows Platform) functionality, offering developers the tools needed to manage everything from slick user interfaces to seamless app behavior across devices.
In plain terms: if your Windows apps look sharp and behave consistently, WinAppSDK often has a hand in making that happen. Here's how this gets relevant to you as an end user:

• Many apps—ranging from productivity tools like Teams, to third-party utilities you regularly use—depend on this SDK.
• If something goes awry with an SDK update, those apps may encounter functionality hiccups as well.

The November 12 update to WinAppSDK 1.6.2 introduced an incompatibility issue that locks certain Windows 10 applications into a "frozen" state when users attempt to update or remove them.

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When Apps Go Rogue: Signs You're Facing the Issue​

Here are some symptoms you might recognize if you’ve been hit by this bug:

• Microsoft Store Error Message: A cryptic pop-up stating “Something happened on our end” when updating affected apps.
• Update Failures: Attempts to update apps like Microsoft Teams stall indefinitely or return an error.
• Uninstallation Roadblocks: Even uninstalling the app via traditional methods (Settings) doesn’t work in some cases.

At this stage, you’re likely asking, "What can I do about this?" Well, I’ve got some good and bad news.

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Microsoft Confirms the Problem – A Fix is Incoming​

Microsoft acknowledged this issue on November 20th. The good news? A patch is on the horizon. It’ll roll out through Windows Update over the “coming days”, according to their statement. If you can hang tight, this ensures the issue will be fixed without extra effort on your part.
However, some of us lack the patience to endure broken apps, especially if they’re integral to our daily routines. Thankfully, there’s an interim fix—for brave souls familiar with PowerShell.

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The Immediate Workaround: PowerShell to the Rescue​

For those with administrative privileges and a slight penchant for the geekier side of computing, Microsoft suggests PowerShell commands to fix the issue manually. Follow the steps precisely to minimize further disruptions:
Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Launch PowerShell as an Administrator:
   • Right-click the Start menu, select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   []Execute Necessary Commands:
   
   • Use the corresponding cmdlets (PowerShell commands) provided by Microsoft. These are specific to affected applications and ensure the SDK is correctly re-registered.
   []Restart the Device:
   • Once changes are applied, reboot your system for maximum effect.

While running PowerShell commands might sound intimidating, it’s a robust way to regain control over your apps until Microsoft issues the official patch.

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Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?​

Ah, the perennial question every Windows user wrestles with. In this case, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t necessarily a solution but could be a side-step that avoids the issue altogether. Windows 11 doesn’t rely on the same version of WinAppSDK responsible for this fiasco. If you’re considering the jump, now might be an opportunistic time.
For those not quite ready to move forward, though, there’s no need to panic. Microsoft has assured this issue is strictly confined to Windows 10 version 22H2, and your patience will soon be rewarded.

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Wrapping Things Up: Hold Tight or PowerShell It Out​

In summary:

• The issue stems from an update to WinAppSDK 1.6.2, breaking the ability to update or uninstall certain apps in Windows 10 version 22H2.
• Microsoft confirmed the hiccup and promised a fix soon through Windows Update.
• For immediate relief, you can use PowerShell commands to apply band-aid solutions.

Ultimately, the situation underscores the occasional growing pains of relying on SDK-driven apps in complex OS ecosystems like Windows. If nothing else, this is your excuse to break out a cup of patience or, if necessary, fire up PowerShell as your troubleshooting weapon.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for additional updates—and for heaven's sake, don’t uninstall Teams just yet (or try to). Hang tight; the cavalry is on the way.
What’s your take? Are you frustrated with how frequent update issues like this one crop up, or do you consider these incidents par for the course? Let us know below!

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Source: PCWorld Can’t update or uninstall apps in Windows 10? Here’s why and what you can do