Microsoft, the giant whose operating system runs on the vast majority of machines worldwide, finds itself at the center of a critical software blunder. As of November 12, Windows 10 users have been grappling with an unsettling issue: they are unable to update or uninstall apps like Microsoft Teams. If you've spent hours staring at the error message “Something happened on our end” in the Microsoft Store, you’re not alone.
Here's the low down: This specific issue stems from Microsoft's Windows App SDK version 1.6.2, which introduced a storm of glitches after its distribution. The situation affects packaged apps that rely on this particular software framework, effectively tying the hands of IT administrators and individual users alike. Sound technical? Let’s unravel this problem together—version 1.6.2 deserves its moment under the spotlight.
Seasoned users reported errors not just in the Microsoft Store but through PowerShell too, specifically when leveraging the
Here's the kicker: rolling back your usual Windows cumulative updates doesn’t solve the problem. Why? Because this isn't tied to a typical security or feature update. Instead, WinAppSDK 1.6.2 was deployed as part of app installations, silently wreaking havoc as some Windows admins unknowingly propagated this version into workstations.
The good news? Microsoft's engineers are already preparing a patched version, WinAppSDK 1.6.3, which is expected to address the root cause. The promised fix will roll out soon via Windows Update. Until then, users remain advised to sit tight and avoid tampering with their broken apps unnecessarily.
The common thread across these challenges? Reliance on complex ecosystems that interweave core Windows OS capabilities with external SDK packages and updates. One small error in this web causes ripple effects felt worldwide.
The takeaway for us, the users? System stability trumps shiny new features every time. As exciting as new API layers and SDK tools sound, they leave the impression of shaky delivery processes and not-quite-thorough regression testing on Microsoft's end. Perhaps in their race to deliver unified frameworks, they overlooked just how efficiently unresolved bugs snowball.
Are you personally affected by this? Share your story below on WindowsForum.com!
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft pulls WinAppSDK update breaking Windows 10 app uninstalls
Here's the low down: This specific issue stems from Microsoft's Windows App SDK version 1.6.2, which introduced a storm of glitches after its distribution. The situation affects packaged apps that rely on this particular software framework, effectively tying the hands of IT administrators and individual users alike. Sound technical? Let’s unravel this problem together—version 1.6.2 deserves its moment under the spotlight.
What Went Wrong with Windows App SDK 1.6.2?
Let’s start with a primer. The Windows App SDK (WinAppSDK) is a key developer toolset that helps create Windows desktop applications. It bridges modern APIs and older functionalities, giving developers cohesive access to both new Windows 11 features and mature, battle-tested Windows 10 capabilities. Think of it as having one foot in the past while the other is sprinting forward. Sounds great in theory, but when something goes wrong—as it did here—it’s the digital equivalent of tripping over those two feet.Seasoned users reported errors not just in the Microsoft Store but through PowerShell too, specifically when leveraging the
Get-AppxPackage command. This problem erupted on Windows 10 version 22H2, which is still widely used across corporate environments and individual machines. Running commands to retrieve, update, or reconfigure app packages threw the cryptic error “0x80073CFA”. Translated into English, this means: “Application deployment failed, and it’s not your fault—it’s ours.”Here's the kicker: rolling back your usual Windows cumulative updates doesn’t solve the problem. Why? Because this isn't tied to a typical security or feature update. Instead, WinAppSDK 1.6.2 was deployed as part of app installations, silently wreaking havoc as some Windows admins unknowingly propagated this version into workstations.
The Fallout for Users
Impacted users, whether they’re end-users trying to uninstall Microsoft Teams or IT administrators orchestrating app management for entire teams, are stuck. Let’s walk through the technological black hole that's engulfed them:- Error in Microsoft Store Updates:
- Attempting to update apps like Microsoft Teams through the Microsoft Store prompts the vague message: “Something happened on our end.” As if users needed reminding that, yes, this is indeed Microsoft’s problem.
- The command
Get-AppxPackage, which retrieves app package info for administrative tasks, has fallen flat. IT pros trying to script their way out of the problem see errors like: “Please contact your software vendor. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80073CFA).
- You might think only Microsoft-branded apps like Teams face the heat. Unfortunately, even third-party applications, as long as they're built using the popular WinAppSDK foundation, are affected.
Microsoft’s Response
Acknowledging the severity of this situation, Microsoft has taken rapid (albeit reactive) measures. The flawed WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package has been yanked from distribution entirely. However, this move merely stops other devices from being freshly impacted—it doesn’t fix currently afflicted systems.The good news? Microsoft's engineers are already preparing a patched version, WinAppSDK 1.6.3, which is expected to address the root cause. The promised fix will roll out soon via Windows Update. Until then, users remain advised to sit tight and avoid tampering with their broken apps unnecessarily.
What Can You Do to Mitigate the Issue, Right Now?
If your nerves are frayed and you can’t wait for Microsoft's official patch:- Invoke Administrative Rights:
- Use Command Prompt (run as administrator) or PowerShell to manually repair function inconsistencies. Microsoft has offered workarounds for advanced users, particularly to reinitialize updates. Though technical, this interim step gives system admins some level of control in the interim.
- Microsoft has actively tracked this debacle on its "Release Health" dashboard. Be on the lookout for updates specific to WinAppSDK 1.6.3 deployment or related workarounds.
- As a last-ditch measure, avoid performing app uninstalls or updates manually until fixes are live.
A History of Hiccups
For Microsoft, this isn't the year’s first headache. Earlier in November, they rolled back Exchange Server security updates after it disrupted email flow globally for admins. In September, they suffered another PR setback thanks to KB5043131—a preview update unable to maintain compatibility with Quick Assist and other Windows Narrator functionalities. It’s been a series of band-aid fixes for deep structural cracks.The common thread across these challenges? Reliance on complex ecosystems that interweave core Windows OS capabilities with external SDK packages and updates. One small error in this web causes ripple effects felt worldwide.
The Bigger Picture
Incidents like this reinforce a critical reality of modern software reliance: seamless ecosystems often falter spectacularly when dependencies aren’t managed carefully. For Windows IT admins, it's yet another case of “Test rigorously or regret deeply.”The takeaway for us, the users? System stability trumps shiny new features every time. As exciting as new API layers and SDK tools sound, they leave the impression of shaky delivery processes and not-quite-thorough regression testing on Microsoft's end. Perhaps in their race to deliver unified frameworks, they overlooked just how efficiently unresolved bugs snowball.
Closing Thought
With WinAppSDK 1.6.3 en route, here's hoping Microsoft rights the ship with their next update. However, professionals managing Windows environments—whether for small businesses or enterprise environments—have a reason to second-guess spontaneous updates. Lesson learned: when it comes to mission-critical workflows, always read the “fine print” provided on patch notes and system dashboards.Are you personally affected by this? Share your story below on WindowsForum.com!
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft pulls WinAppSDK update breaking Windows 10 app uninstalls