Can’t Update or Open Microsoft Store Apps After a Windows Upgrade? Here’s How to Fix It

Upgrading your Windows operating system should be a seamless experience, but sometimes, it can lead to frustrating issues with your Microsoft Store apps. Suddenly, apps won’t update, refuse to install, or won’t even launch. You might encounter error messages like “Something happened on our end,” the dreaded error code 0x80073CF9, or find apps perpetually stuck in a “pending” state. Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and, fortunately, there are proven methods to get your apps back up and running.

This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach to troubleshooting and resolving these common Microsoft Store app problems after a system upgrade, update, or restore. We’ll walk through several effective solutions, ranging from simple app repairs to more advanced system fixes. By following these steps, you can regain access to your essential applications and restore the functionality of the Microsoft Store.

Method 1: Repair the Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton

The Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton is a critical component for many Store apps. When this component is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause a cascade of problems across multiple applications, preventing updates and installations. Addressing this specific component is often the key to restoring normal app functionality.

Here’s how to repair the Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton:

1. Open Windows Settings: Press the Win + I keys on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to Apps: Click on Apps > Apps & Features.
3. Locate the Runtime Singleton: In the search box, type singleton to find “Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton.”
4. Access Advanced Options: Click on the entry for “Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton,” then select Advanced options.
5. Terminate and Repair: Click the Terminate button to stop the app, followed by Repair. If the repair fails, proceed to the Reset option instead.
6. Update via the Microsoft Store: Go to the Microsoft Store page for the App Runtime Singleton by searching for it. Click View in Store and try updating the app directly.
7. Retry App Updates: After attempting the update, return to the Microsoft Store and retry updating or installing other apps.

Method 2: Install the Latest Windows App SDK

Outdated or corrupted Windows App SDK components can often hinder app updates and installations. Installing the most recent SDK version can restore essential files and dependencies, ensuring that your apps can function correctly.

Follow these steps to install the latest Windows App SDK:

1. Download the SDK: Download the newest Windows App SDK installer from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Prepare for Installation: Close all open applications and restart your PC. This ensures a clean installation environment, preventing potential conflicts.
3. Install the SDK: After your PC restarts, install the Windows App SDK you downloaded.
4. Retry App Updates: Open the Microsoft Store and click Retry on any app updates or installations that were previously stalled. With the latest SDK installed, apps should now successfully update and install without errors.

Method 3: Repair System Files and Reset the Microsoft Store

System file corruption can negatively impact the operations of the Microsoft Store and the apps within it. Running repair utilities and resetting the Store can often resolve the underlying system-level issues that are causing problems.

Here’s how to repair system files and reset the Microsoft Store:

1- Open PowerShell as Administrator: Open PowerShell with administrator privileges (search for “PowerShell” in the Start Menu, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator”).

2- Run System File Check Commands: Execute the following commands one at a time, waiting for each to complete: dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup sfc /scannow These commands will scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files and servicing components.

3- Reboot Your PC: Restart your computer after the commands complete.

4- Repair and Reset the Microsoft Store: Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, locate the “Microsoft Store” app, and click on the three dots on the right. If available, use both the Repair and Reset options.

5- Reboot Again: Restart your PC once more.

6- Test the Store: Open the Microsoft Store and attempt to update or install your apps.

Method 4: Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install) of Windows

If the previous methods fail to resolve the issue, performing an in-place upgrade, also known as a repair install, is an effective solution. This process reinstalls Windows system files while preserving your data and most installed applications. It’s a powerful way to address persistent or unfixable Microsoft Store issues without resorting to a complete system reset.

Follow these steps to perform an in-place upgrade:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool:
   • For Windows 10: Visit the Windows 10 Download Page.
   • For Windows 11: Visit the Windows 11 Download Page.
2. Run the Media Creation Tool: Launch the tool and choose the option to “Upgrade this PC now.”
3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Follow the instructions provided by the tool, ensuring that you select the option to keep your files and apps. This is crucial for preserving your data.
4. Allow the Upgrade to Complete: Let the upgrade process run to completion. Some personalized settings may revert to their defaults, but your files and installed programs should remain intact.
5. Test the Microsoft Store: After the upgrade is finished, the Microsoft Store and its apps should function correctly.

This process requires at least 40 GB of free space on your system drive. It’s recommended that you disconnect any external devices and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software to avoid potential interference during the upgrade.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

For less severe or more specific Microsoft Store app issues, try these additional troubleshooting steps:

• Repair or Reset Individual Apps: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, select the problematic app, click Advanced options, and choose Repair or Reset.
• Clear the Microsoft Store Cache: Press the Win + R keys, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This clears the Store cache, which may resolve minor glitches.
• Check Network and DNS Settings: Change your DNS settings to Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) within your network adapter settings. Some users have reported that this resolves connectivity issues with the Store.
• Reset Network Settings: In Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings, use the Network reset option to refresh all network adapters and settings.
• Reinstall the Microsoft Store via the Xbox App: If the Microsoft Store is missing entirely, try installing the Xbox app from Microsoft’s website. Sometimes, this reinstalls the Microsoft Store as a dependency.
• Re-register the Microsoft Store: Open PowerShell as an administrator and run this command: 1Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

By applying these targeted methods, you can effectively restore Microsoft Store app functionality after a Windows system upgrade, allowing you to update, install, and launch apps without encountering persistent errors. While more intensive, a repair install is a very reliable solution, resolving even the most stubborn issues. With these troubleshooting techniques, you can quickly overcome any Microsoft Store app problems and get back to enjoying your favorite applications.

In conclusion, encountering issues with your Microsoft Store apps after a Windows upgrade can be incredibly frustrating. However, by following the structured approach outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve these problems. Whether you’re dealing with update errors, installation failures, or apps that refuse to launch, the methods described here provide a comprehensive toolkit for restoring the functionality of your Microsoft Store and ensuring that your essential applications are always available. Don’t let a system upgrade disrupt your workflow—take control and reclaim your computing experience today!