Microsoft Store apps may stop updating, installing, or launching correctly after a major Windows system upgrade, restore, or update. Users often see errors like 0x80073CF9, “Something happened on our end,” or find that apps are stuck in a pending state. These failures can disrupt workflows, prevent access to essential applications, and persist even after basic troubleshooting. Addressing these problems requires a structured approach ranging from targeted app repairs to broader system fixes.

Method 1: Repair Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton

Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton is a key dependency for many Store apps. When it fails, updates and installations can break across multiple apps. Addressing this specific component can restore normal app functionality.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Win+I. Select Apps > Apps & Features.

Step 2: In the search box, type singleton to locate Microsoft Windows App Runtime Singleton.

Step 3: Click the entry, then select Advanced options. Use the Terminate button to stop the app, followed by Repair. If Repair fails, use Reset instead.

Step 4: Visit the Microsoft Store page for App Runtime Singleton. Click View in Store and try updating the app directly. Afterward, retry updating or installing other apps in the Microsoft Store.

Method 2: Install the Latest Windows App SDK

Corrupted or outdated Windows App SDK components can prevent Store apps from updating or installing. Installing the latest SDK can restore essential files and dependencies.

Step 1: Download the newest Windows App SDK installer from Microsoft’s official site but do not install it yet.

Step 2: Close all open applications and restart your PC. This ensures no conflicting processes are running during installation.

Step 3: After rebooting, install the Windows App SDK you downloaded.

Step 4: Open the Microsoft Store and click Retry on each app update or installation that was previously stuck. Apps should now process updates and installs without error.

Method 3: Repair System Files and Reset Microsoft Store

System file corruption can disrupt Microsoft Store operations. Running repair utilities and resetting the Store can resolve underlying system issues.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator (not Windows Terminal, but the classic PowerShell console). Run 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 scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files and servicing components.

Step 2: Reboot your PC.

Step 3: Locate the Microsoft Store app in Settings, select it, then use both Repair and Reset options if available.

Step 4: Reboot again, then open the Store and attempt to update or install apps.

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

When app and system repairs fail, performing an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows system files while preserving your data and most installed applications. This process can resolve persistent or unfixable Store issues without a full reset.

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool for your Windows version:

Step 2: Launch the tool and choose Upgrade this PC now. Follow the prompts, ensuring the option to keep your files and apps is selected.

Step 3: Allow the upgrade to complete. Some personalized settings may revert to defaults, but your main files and programs will remain intact. After the upgrade, the Microsoft Store and its apps should function correctly.

Note: This process requires at least 40 GB of free space on your system drive. Disconnect external devices and temporarily disable third-party antivirus software to avoid interference.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

For less severe or specific issues, consider these approaches:

  • Reset or Repair Individual Apps: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Select the problematic app, click Advanced options, then choose Repair or Reset.
  • Clear Store Cache: Press Win+R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This clears the Store cache and may resolve minor glitches.
  • Check Network and DNS Settings: Change your DNS to Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) in network adapter settings. Some users report this resolves Store connectivity issues.
  • Reset Network Settings: In Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings, use Network reset to refresh all network adapters and settings.
  • Reinstall Microsoft Store via Xbox App: If the Store is missing, installing the Xbox app from Microsoft’s website sometimes reinstalls the Microsoft Store as a dependency.

Re-register Microsoft Store: Open PowerShell as administrator and run:


Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Applying these targeted methods restores Microsoft Store app functionality after a system upgrade, letting you update, install, and launch apps without persistent errors. If problems continue, a repair install nearly always resolves even the most stubborn cases.