Ah, Windows 10. Loved by many, sometimes frustratingly flawed, and yet, a staple in so many of our daily lives. Just when you think it's cruising along smoothly, Microsoft confirms a brand-new hiccup: users are facing significant challenges when trying to update or uninstall apps. The issue isn’t tied to a recent security patch or update but instead springs from the debut of the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package, released on November 12, 2024. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and—most importantly—what you can do about it.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience limited to some obscure programs. High-use apps like Microsoft Teams, alongside many first- and third-party packaged apps reliant on WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK), are caught in the crossfire. Microsoft has clarified that this issue specifically impacts Windows 10 version 22H2, so if you’re on that build, heads up.
The snag does not affect Windows 11 or other versions of Windows 10. Furthermore, it’s specific to apps built using the modern Windows App SDK framework, meaning traditional Win32 apps are blissfully untouched by this debacle. Lucky for them.
Basically, developers use WinAppSDK to make apps that leverage the Windows ecosystem more seamlessly across grizzled legacy systems (hello, Win32) and modern services, like the Microsoft Store. The problem here is that version 1.6.2 has introduced a glitch that hampers the ability of these apps to update or uninstall—an immensely practical task that should “just work.”
This is what makes the issue particularly exasperating. The Microsoft Store effectively becomes a dead-end for affected apps, leaving users stuck on older versions until a fix arrives.
This is a great time, though not without irony, to remember that full-screen Windows 11 upgrade banners have simultaneously resurfaced on Windows 10 systems. It's like Microsoft is saying, "Fed up with this? We’ve got just the thing for you! It’s called Windows 11."
If you're one of the many users who hasn’t made the leap to Windows 11, situations like these are a reminder that support for Windows 10 (slated to end in October 2025) will likely falter in quality over time. For those who are more risk-averse, it may be the nudge you need to explore upgrading—assuming, of course, no hardware limitations stand in your way.
While the two issues aren’t directly related, they underscore a troubling theme for Windows 10 users: bugs in app management and compatibility seem to be cropping up far more frequently as support winds down.
Have you faced issues with app updates on Windows 10 lately? Let us know in the comments below! Discuss your experience and share any solutions or tips that have worked for you.
Source: The Open News Microsoft confirms issues with Windows 10 app updates and uninstalls
What’s Going On with Windows 10 Apps?
Windows 10 users attempting to update or uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store are greeted by the vague and honestly unhelpful error, “Something happened on our end.” Sound cryptic? That’s because it is.This isn’t just a minor inconvenience limited to some obscure programs. High-use apps like Microsoft Teams, alongside many first- and third-party packaged apps reliant on WinAppSDK (Windows App SDK), are caught in the crossfire. Microsoft has clarified that this issue specifically impacts Windows 10 version 22H2, so if you’re on that build, heads up.
The snag does not affect Windows 11 or other versions of Windows 10. Furthermore, it’s specific to apps built using the modern Windows App SDK framework, meaning traditional Win32 apps are blissfully untouched by this debacle. Lucky for them.
The Root of the Problem: What is the WinAppSDK?
To decode the origin of this issue, let’s zoom in on what WinAppSDK actually does. The Windows App SDK, formerly known as Project Reunion, is a toolkit that modernizes app development for Windows. It provides a unified platform for creating Windows apps, blending features from Win32 and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) frameworks.Basically, developers use WinAppSDK to make apps that leverage the Windows ecosystem more seamlessly across grizzled legacy systems (hello, Win32) and modern services, like the Microsoft Store. The problem here is that version 1.6.2 has introduced a glitch that hampers the ability of these apps to update or uninstall—an immensely practical task that should “just work.”
This is what makes the issue particularly exasperating. The Microsoft Store effectively becomes a dead-end for affected apps, leaving users stuck on older versions until a fix arrives.
Microsoft's Response: A (Temporary) Lifeline
As of now, Microsoft is actively working on a fix and has promised a resolution in the coming days. The company is exploring either a Windows update or other methods to resolve the problem. In the meantime, IT administrators and power users have been provided with a manual workaround using PowerShell instructions that are available on GitHub.This is a great time, though not without irony, to remember that full-screen Windows 11 upgrade banners have simultaneously resurfaced on Windows 10 systems. It's like Microsoft is saying, "Fed up with this? We’ve got just the thing for you! It’s called Windows 11."
How You Can Address the Issue Right Now
If you're impacted by this bug, don’t despair—there are some steps you can take to mitigate the issue until Microsoft rolls out a complete patch. Here's what you can try:1. Manually Update or Uninstall via PowerShell
- Microsoft recommends using PowerShell commands for affected apps. While this is a more hands-on approach, it's often the only way to bypass these errors for the time being.
- You can visit GitHub (search for “Microsoft WinAppSDK issue 1.6.2”) to find step-by-step instructions tailored for IT administrators.
2. Double-Check App Compatibility
- If the app in question is vital to your workflow, see if the developer has issued any independent updates or patches. Some apps may have standalone installers that you can manually manage outside the Microsoft Store.
3. Wait for Microsoft's Fix
- Microsoft’s track record suggests they’ll likely release a cumulative update for this issue in the coming days. Stay tuned to the Windows Health Dashboard for official updates.
Why Only Windows 10 Version 22H2?
It's interesting to note that this issue exclusively affects Windows 10 version 22H2. This is the latest—and final—feature update for Windows 10, as Microsoft has shifted its full focus to Windows 11. Version 22H2 is essentially the penultimate chapter for new features in a now-aging OS. As such, this limited focus might explain why the glitch was overlooked before WinAppSDK 1.6.2 went live.If you're one of the many users who hasn’t made the leap to Windows 11, situations like these are a reminder that support for Windows 10 (slated to end in October 2025) will likely falter in quality over time. For those who are more risk-averse, it may be the nudge you need to explore upgrading—assuming, of course, no hardware limitations stand in your way.
Déjà Vu: Recent Windows 10 Issues Elsewhere
This isn’t the first time this month that Microsoft has acknowledged app-related issues in Windows 10. Earlier in November 2024, users encountered a bug where installing KB5043131 prevented some programs from launching entirely. Microsoft did resolve this with the release of KB5046613 on—you guessed it—November 12, 2024. A rough cycle for updates, huh?While the two issues aren’t directly related, they underscore a troubling theme for Windows 10 users: bugs in app management and compatibility seem to be cropping up far more frequently as support winds down.
Key Takeaways
In summary, here’s what you need to know about the latest Windows 10 drama:- Who’s Affected? Windows 10 users on version 22H2 who rely on apps utilizing WinAppSDK 1.6.2.
- What’s Broken? Updating or uninstalling apps through the Microsoft Store triggers errors.
- Fix Timeline? Microsoft is poised to offer a fix soon, but temporary alternatives via PowerShell are already available.
Have you faced issues with app updates on Windows 10 lately? Let us know in the comments below! Discuss your experience and share any solutions or tips that have worked for you.
Source: The Open News Microsoft confirms issues with Windows 10 app updates and uninstalls