Updating applications in Windows 10 might seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes it gets surprisingly complicated. Missing updates, stuck installs, or apps that never want to update are common frustrations. The thing is, keeping your apps current isn’t just about getting new features—it’s a big part of keeping everything secure and running smoothly. This guide is here to walk through some real-world fixes, because in practice, things often don’t work perfectly right out of the box. Sometimes, it’s a matter of a setting, sometimes a service, or maybe just clearing a cache. By the end, you’ll probably have a few more tricks up your sleeve to get those updates rolling again.
How to Fix App Update Problems in Windows 10
Method 1: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache
If updates are stuck or missing in the Microsoft Store, it might be due to cached data messing things up. Running a quick cache reset can fix that. It’s kind of weird, but when the Store behaves badly, this usually helps.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
wsreset.exeand hit Enter. - The Store will open briefly after a reset, and the cache clears itself. No need to restart, but sometimes doing that helps too. On some setups, the cache reset totally fixes stuck updates, but in others, it’s just a first step.
Why it helps: It clears corrupt Cache files that could be blocking updates. When it applies: When updates aren’t appearing or the Store shows errors. What to expect: A quick silent reset, then the Store reopens. Often, updates will show up after this.
Method 2: Check Windows Update Services
Sometimes, Windows Update services play a part in app updates, especially for stuff linked to system components or UWP apps. If those services aren’t running, apps won’t update right. Old-school, but worth a look.
- Right-click the Start menu and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- Run these commands to reset the update components:
net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop dosvc ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start bits net start dosvc - After that, restart your PC and try updating again. Sometimes, corrupt update folders make the whole process hang, and this clears it up.
Why it helps: Forces Windows to rebuild its update database, which can fix stuck or failed app updates. When it applies: When the Store or Windows Update isn’t downloading or installing updates. What to expect: A brief service restart and folder renaming, then a fresh start for updates.
Method 3: Enable the Microsoft Store to Update Apps Automatically
Less fancy, but enabling auto-update for the Store means fewer headaches down the line. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Open the Microsoft Store (click the Start menu, then find and launch it).
- Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Under App updates, turn on the toggle for Update apps automatically.
Why it helps: This keeps your apps up-to-date without manual fuss, which often solves issues before they start. When it applies: When manual update steps fail or apps just don’t show updates. What to expect: Updates happening silently in the background, with less hassle.
Method 4: Manually Update Specific Apps
If only one app refuses to update, sometimes a manual nudge does the trick, especially for non-Store apps. Go into the app’s own settings or check their official sources. For apps from the Store, you can also try updating just one app:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click the profile picture or your account icon at the top-right.
- Select Library to see all your installed Store apps.
- Find the problematic app, and click Update or the three dots and choose Update.
If these aren’t working, heads up: sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the app is the only quick fix. Also, for non-Store apps, check their official website for manual update options which often involve downloading and reinstalling.
Why it helps: Sometimes, apps need a fresh install or manual updates if auto-update fails. When it applies: When Store updates don’t do the trick or for offline/standalone apps. What to expect: A quick reinstall or forced update through the app itself.
Of course, sometimes it’s just a bug or a glitch…
In some cases, waiting for the developer’s fix or updating Windows itself is inevitable. Because, yeah, Windows and app devs are a mixed bag sometimes. Keep an eye on the Update & Security section in Settings for a Windows patch, because that might fix underlying compatibility issues blocking app updates.
Summary
- try resetting the Microsoft Store cache (
wsreset.exe) - check Windows Update services and restart them if needed
- enable auto-updates in Store settings
- update individual apps manually or reinstall if needed
- sometimes, wait or update Windows itself to fix bugs
Wrap-up
Getting apps to update properly can be a bit of a wild goose chase, but these steps cover most of the common culprits. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a Service not running, cache corrupt, or settings not toggled right. Don’t forget, Windows can be weird, and a few restarts or cache clears fix a lot of headaches. This stuff worked on several setups I’ve seen, so hopefully it helps someone else get those updates flowing. Keep an eye on your app store, stay updated, and your apps will thank you.