Microsoft pulls WinAppSDK update breaking Windows 10 app uninstalls

Microsoft pulls WinAppSDK update breaking Windows 10 app uninstalls

November 21, 2024 at 02:01PM

Microsoft has acknowledged issues affecting Windows 10 users unable to update or uninstall packaged apps, including Microsoft Teams, due to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package. A fix is forthcoming, and the problematic update has been pulled. Users can access workarounds via PowerShell or Command Prompt until the resolution is deployed.

**Meeting Takeaways:**

1. **Update Issues with Windows 10**:
– Since November 12, some Windows 10 users have been unable to update or uninstall applications, notably Microsoft Teams, due to a known issue linked to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package.

2. **Error Messages**:
– Affected users on Windows 10 22H2 devices receive the error message “Something happened on our end” in the Microsoft Store’s ‘Downloads’ panel.
– IT administrators using PowerShell may encounter errors such as ‘Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA’.

3. **Affected Applications**:
– Issues arise when uninstalling and reinstalling applications, impacting Microsoft Teams and others if part of the update process.

4. **Root Cause**:
– This issue is attributed to the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 update and is not related to any Windows security or monthly updates, meaning that uninstalling previous updates will not resolve the issue.

5. **Microsoft’s Response**:
– Microsoft is developing a fix that will be distributed via Windows updates in the near future.
– In the interim, the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package has been retracted to prevent further user impact. A WinAppSDK 1.6.3 update is also on the way.

6. **Workaround**:
– Affected users can execute specific commands in PowerShell or Command Prompt (with administrator privileges) to mitigate the updating and installation issues.

7. **Related Issues**:
– Microsoft recently addressed another issue from the September 2024 preview update (KB5043131) that affected certain applications for non-admin users.
– The company also withdrew the November Exchange security updates due to widespread email issues and fixed numerous blue screen bugs and installation problems affecting Windows Server 2025.

8. **New Issue Reported**:
– A new problem has been identified in Windows 24H2 causing unexpected audio volume increases when using USB DAC sound systems during gaming.

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