Some apps stopped working after installing Windows 11 22H2 update

Current Windows Version:

Edition Windows 11 Pro
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎18-‎07-‎2023
OS build 22621.1702
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22641.1000.0

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I freshly installed Windows 10 on my desktop few years ago. I used this tutorial on TenForums to relocate my Users directory to D drive.

Fast forward to upgrading to Windows 11. All went well with no issues.

However, when I received the Windows 11 22H2 update, I noticed that opening folders in My PC froze the explorer rendering the update useless. I use the recovery option to uninstall the update and revert back to 22H1.

Post the above revert, I noticed the Microsoft Store stopped working. It started but stayed at the loading screen without progressing further. Additionally, many of the apps stopped working like OneNote for Windows and Whatsapp. I uninstalled them through BCUninstaller but am unable to install them back due to the Store itself not working.

Thinking that something broke during the reversal and updating again might fix the problem, I reinstalled the 22H2 update via the in-place upgrade by downloading the ISO. The update installed without any issues and Windows is in a usable state but the store issue persists. Additionally the Microsoft Sign-in Assistant does not start and gives Access Denied errors when attempting to start through services.msc.

I tried following the steps suggested here : Redirecting

Running sfc /scannow fixed some files and subsequent does not seem to indicate any errors.

The dism /online /clean-image started fast, seemed stuck at 62.3%, ran for few hours at that percentage and finally failed stating it could not find the required files. I re-ran the command with the /source /limitaccess switch by pointing to <Mounted ISO Drive>:\sources\install.wim but it still says it could not find the source files after being stuck at 62.3% and running for a long time.

I also attempted wsreset (which starts the Store immediately) as well removing and redeploying through powershell.

Attempting to perform a reset results in an error stating that Windows cannot be reset since my Users directory is not on the OS drive.

I am now out of options and would like to keep reinstalling Windows 11 as the last option.

Could anyone please suggest how to fix the bugged files and the Microsoft Store?

Welcome to the forum.
I would first see if the explorer issue exists in clean boot. If it doesn't happen in a clean boot, you have some software conflicting with Windows. Brink's procedure will help you weed out which one. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts Tutorial

If the problem still exists in clean boot, perform a repair install. Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

glasskuter said:

Welcome to the forum.
I would first see if the explorer issue exists in clean boot. If it doesn't happen in a clean boot, you have some software conflicting with Windows. Brink's procedure will help you weed out which one. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts Tutorial

If the problem still exists in clean boot, perform a repair install. Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment, but the issue with the explorer was fixed after performing an in place upgrade using the ISO.

My issue now is with the Sign-in Assistant and the dism command not working.