Windows 10: Certain Universal Apps aren't working

This is not your typical "My modern apps don't work" post. Some of my apps are working fine, for instance Edge and Mail. Others, do not, such as the Windows Store, Weather, Photos, etc...

I've tried all the various tricks to uninstall and re-install these apps, but get the same thing. The Event Log says that the apps can't be "activated", which indicates some kind of licensing issue perhaps, but I haven't found the solution yet.

This is Windows 10 Enterprise 14388 build. It's joined to a domain, and I strongly suspect that my domain admins have a group policy that is interfering, but I can't be sure. They had already disabled Microsoft Accounts, and turned off Telemetry via group policy and registry settings, which I have countered by forcing these back on and denying update access to those keys. I suppose it's possible that this might be affecting the apps as well, but it's strange that some apps work and some don't.

Any suggestions? SFC and Dism cleanups report no issues or corruption. App re-installs seem to complete fine, but the apps still don't work. UAC is, of course, ON.

:)

 

Certain apps aren't working

Hi,

We apologize for the delay in response.

As of now, please try running the search troubleshooter and check if it helps

1. Press Windows key + X key and select Control panel. (Set view by as small icons).

2. In there, Control panel> troubleshooting> System and security> Search and Indexing> Follow the onscreen procedure.



Also, please press Windows key +P key> Project> Select the scheme that you want.

Please let us know if the issue is resolved or you need any further assistance.

Thank you.

 

Certain apps aren't working

Why doesn't the window fill when I try to project to second screen? It tells me they are working on it and it should be available later, but it's been some time now and it still isn't working.

 

For App licensing see:
%SystemRoot%\System32\Winevt\Logs\Microsoft-Client-Licensing-Platform%4Admin.evtx

Package licences gets archived then re-installed (per lease activation) - not sure how long each lease lasts tho'.

eg: Onenote entry on 21 June ( 2 months after initial install)

The license with Id 8ce3d3dd-a4c7-6c38-5fde-1f9f5df98807 has been archived successfully. PFM if available: microsoft.office.onenote_8wekyb3d8bbwe

Application license successfully installed.
Package: microsoft.office.onenote_8wekyb3d8bbwe
User Id (if available): NULL
License Id: 8ce3d3dd-a4c7-6c38-5fde-1f9f5df98807
Associate Id: 8ce3d3dd-a4c7-6c38-5fde-1f9f5df98807

 

I have fixed the problem. I booted to a recovery console, deleted the WindowsApps folder, then deleted the registry keys, then performed an in-place repair upgrade.

Not sure what caused this as it was installed clean, but I strongly suspect it had something to do with the group policy settings of my organization which had attempted to disable things like Microsoft Account association and Insider Previews.

Regardless, working now.