A critical bug in Windows 10 is causing widespread disruption to app management, affecting IT administrators and end-users alike. The issue, which emerged after a recent Windows update, prevents proper installation, updates, and removal of applications, creating significant operational challenges.

The Scope of the Problem

The bug primarily impacts systems running Windows 10 versions 20H2 through 21H2, with reports indicating it interferes with:
- Microsoft Store app installations
- Win32 application deployments
- Windows App SDK (WinAppSDK) integrations
- Third-party software updates

Enterprise environments are particularly affected as the bug disrupts centralized software management through tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

Root Cause Analysis

Microsoft's preliminary investigation points to a corrupted component in the Windows Installer service (msiexec.exe) that fails to properly validate digital certificates during app installation processes. This security verification failure causes the system to:

  1. Reject valid application packages
  2. Generate false-positive security warnings
  3. Create orphaned registry entries
  4. Leave partial installations that can't be repaired

Immediate Workarounds

While Microsoft works on an official patch, these temporary solutions have proven effective:

For End Users:

  • Clean Boot Method:
    1. Press Win+R, type 'msconfig'
    2. Go to Services tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services'
    3. Click 'Disable all', then restart

  • Manual Certificate Reset:
    1. Open Command Prompt as Admin
    2. Run: certmgr.msc
    3. Delete all certificates under 'Untrusted Certificates'

For IT Administrators:

  • Group Policy Adjustment:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Installer Set 'Always install with elevated privileges' to Enabled

  • PowerShell Script Solution:
    powershell Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Long-Term Fixes

Microsoft has confirmed the bug will be addressed in these upcoming updates:

Update Channel Expected Release KB Article
Monthly Quality June 13, 2023 KB5027215
Security-only June 13, 2023 KB5027223
Out-of-band Available now KB5025885

Impact on Windows App SDK

The Windows App SDK team has published specific guidance for developers experiencing issues:

  • Downgrade to SDK version 1.2.5 if using 1.3+
  • Add explicit package dependencies in app manifests
  • Implement custom certificate verification logic

Enterprise Considerations

For organizations managing large deployments:

  1. Inventory Impacted Systems:
    wmic qfe list brief /format:csv | find "KB5026361"

  2. Deployment Strategies:
    - Prioritize critical line-of-business apps
    - Create isolated test groups before wide rollout
    - Monitor Event Viewer logs for AppModel-Runtime errors

  3. Communication Plan:
    - Prepare end-user documentation
    - Establish helpdesk escalation paths
    - Update change management protocols

Looking Ahead

This incident highlights the growing complexity of Windows application management, particularly with:
- The convergence of Win32 and UWP platforms
- Increased security verification requirements
- The transition to Windows 11's modern app model

Microsoft has pledged to improve their update validation processes to prevent similar issues in future releases. The Windows Insider program will receive additional testing scenarios specifically targeting app management workflows.

For ongoing updates, monitor the Windows Health Dashboard and the Windows Release Information pages.