The app can’t update when it’s open – Microsoft Store app error

On your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer, you may get the error message The app can’t update when it’s open when you try opening, updating or reinstalling certain Microsoft Store apps. This post provides the most applicable solutions to this issue.

The app can’t update when it’s open says Microsoft Store app

If you are getting the error message The app can’t update when it’s open when you try to open or reinstall a Microsoft Store app on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can try our recommended fixes as presented below in no particular order and see if that helps you resolve the issue on your device. We suggest before you try the solutions below, check for updates and install any available bits on your Windows 11/10 device and see if the error reappears.

1. Close the app or restart your PC
2. Run Windows Store App Troubleshooter
3. Use third-party software uninstaller
4. Reset the app
5. Perform System Restore

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Close the app or restart your PC

Close the app and try. If that does not help, restart your PC and try. This should work.

2] Run Windows Store App Troubleshooter

We always recommend if having issues with any Microsoft Store app on your Windows 11/10 PC, you should begin troubleshooting by running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter and see if that helps; in most cases it does!

To run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter on your Windows 11 device, do the following:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings app.
• Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Under the Other section, find Windows Store Apps.
• Click Run button.
• Follow on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

To run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter on your Windows 10 PC, do the following:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings app.
• Go to Update and Security.
• Click the Troubleshooter tab.
• Scroll down and click on Windows Store Apps.
• Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
• Follow on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

3] Use third-party software uninstaller

If you’re getting The app can’t update when it’s open error message when reinstalling the Microsoft Store app after you must have uninstalled the app, then it’s possible there are residual files or leftover entries and dependencies from the uninstall procedure. In this case, for a clean uninstall, we recommend you use a third-party software uninstaller as they do a thorough job of completely removing a piece of software from a Windows 11/10 computer – and afterwards retry the app reinstallation.

4] Reset the app

In the case you’re getting the error in view when trying to open the app, it’s possible the app installation is corrupt, or the app is simply malfunctioning or suffering a temporary glitch. In any case, you can reset the Microsoft Store app and see if that helps.

5] Perform System Restore

If nothing else works, you can return your system to a previous point when the app was working fine and normally without issues. To perform System Restore, do the following:

• Press Windows key + R. to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type rstrui and hit Enter to launch the System Restore Wizard.
• At the initial screen of System Restore, click Next.
• At the next screen, check the box associated with Show more restore points.
• Now, select a restore point prior to when you noticed the issue on your device.
• Click Next to advance to the next menu.
• Click Finish and confirm at the final prompt.

At the next system startup, your older computer state will be enforced. The issue in hand should be resolved now.

Hope you find this post helpful!

Related post: Fix 0x80073D02 Microsoft Store Error Code

How do I fix Microsoft Store not updating Apps?

If Microsoft Store apps is not downloading, installing, updating on your Windows 11/10 device, you can work through these possible solutions in the order presented.

• Make sure Windows is up to date. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Make sure that your app works with Windows 11.
• Update Microsoft Store.
• Troubleshoot games.
• Repair or reset your apps.
• Reinstall your apps.

Read: Microsoft Store apps not updating automatically

Why is Microsoft Store not installing Apps?

An outdated or bug-ridden Windows 10 version may be the root cause of the app download failure you’re experiencing on the Microsoft Store. So make sure you install the latest update on your computer. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates.

Read: How to check for Microsoft Store App updates in Windows 11/10