Microsoft Halts WinAppSDK Update Following Issues with Windows 10 App Management Since November 12, Microsoft has acknowledged a technical issue impacting some Windows 10 users, preventing them from updating or uninstalling certain applications like Microsoft Teams. This complication arises from the deployment of the WinAppSDK version 1.6.2 package, automatically installed with apps built on the Win App SDK framework.
Key Symptoms and Errors
Windows 10 22H2 Devices
Affected users encounter a "Something happened on our end" error within the Microsoft Store's 'Downloads' section.
PowerShell Management
System administrators using PowerShell commands such as ‘Get-AppxPackage’ may receive errors like 'Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA'. The advisory suggests contacting the software vendor for further assistance. -
Applications Affected
Apps such as Microsoft Teams, along with some third-party software, experience issues during uninstallation or reinstallation as part of software updates. ## Cause and Solution Microsoft clarifies that the problems are not linked to recent Windows security or preview updates, implying that uninstalling older cumulative updates will not rectify the situation. In response, Microsoft has removed the problematic WinAppSDK 1.6.2 to prevent further disruption. According to Microsoft engineer Mike Crider, a revised WinAppSDK 1.6.3, which addresses the bug, is forthcoming. In the interim, users can execute specific commands in PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrative rights as a workaround to manage affected applications.
Recent Microsoft Challenges
Earlier this month, Microsoft resolved an issue linked to the September 2024 preview update (KB5043131), which hindered the launch of applications like Quick Assist and Windows Narrator for non-administrative users. Additionally, the company recently withdrew November Exchange security updates due to reported server outages and corrected various bugs leading to blue screen errors on Windows Server 2025 systems. Further issues reported include a Windows 10 24H2 glitch, unexpectedly elevating game audio volumes when using USB DAC sound systems. Microsoft is actively investigating and deploying fixes as these issues arise.