Microsoft Issues Update on Windows 10 Apps Uninstalling and Updating Problems

Windows 10 Users Encounter Update and Uninstall Issues

As Windows 10 users contend with an influx of full-screen advertisements for Windows 11, they are also facing significant challenges in updating or uninstalling applications. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and provided details on the Windows Health Dashboard.

Understanding the Bug: WinAppSDK 1.6.2 Package

The currently identified bug is not associated with any particular Windows update or security patch. Microsoft has revealed that the core of the problem lies within the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package, which was released on November 12, 2024. Users attempting to update applications dependent on WinAppSDK are met with a frustrating error message from the Microsoft Store stating, “Something happened on our end.”

Impact on IT Administrators

IT administrators managing packaged applications through PowerShell may encounter errors such as ‘Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA’ when using the ‘Get-AppxPackage’ command. The accompanying message advises, ‘Please contact your software vendor. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80073CFA)’.

Applications Affected

This issue disrupts a wide range of applications, including Microsoft Teams and various third-party software, making updates impossible on Windows 10 due to the WinAppSDK bug. Microsoft is currently developing a fix, which could be distributed as a Windows update or through alternative solutions, with updates expected within a few days. In the meantime, IT admins can find PowerShell instructions on GitHub to assist with device issues and applications stuck in update mode.

Windows 11 Users Remain Unaffected

It’s important to highlight that Windows 11 is not experiencing this issue; only users on Windows 10 version 22H2 are impacted. Therefore, individuals who have upgraded to newer Windows versions can continue to install and uninstall packaged applications without encountering any difficulties. Additionally, Win32 applications function normally on both Windows 10 and 11 systems.

Recent History of Application Issues

This marks the second occurrence of application-related problems for Windows 10 users in recent weeks. Just earlier in November, Microsoft alerted users that certain applications would fail to launch post-installation of KB5043131. This was later resolved with the release of KB5046613 on November 12, 2024.

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