Windows 10: [Found workaround] Can't download from Windows Update or Microsoft Store

Hello I am struggling to download anything at all from either of these and I cannot figure out what the problem is.

I am on the latest version of Windows 10 Pro at the time of writing this, Version 1903 and OS build 18362.175.

I've attempted every solution I've found online, including wsreset, using the windows troubleshooter, limiting the download bandwidth, re-registering the microsoft store, deleting the SoftwareDistributions folder, and likely others that I've forgotten.

I am able to install updates by going to the Microsoft Update Catalog website and manually downloading from there, but Windows Update is entirely stuck on 0 %. I'm guessing my problems with the Microsoft Store are related to Windows Update not working. Right now Windows Update is attempting to download KB4503293 but is stuck at 0 %.

I have noticed that intermittently Microsoft store can download at around 1kb/s, however this is way below my internet speeds which are at 500Mb/s. I do not experience any problems with other programs and I am able to download at full speeds from my browser.

I appreciate any suggestions, thank you for reading. I'll gladly provide any further information if needed.

EDIT: I finally found a workaround to downloading and installing Sea of Thieves and other apps, by bypassing the Microsoft Store. This doesn't fix the underlying cause, but it does allow you to use any app from the store that you need.

First you have to download the app you are looking for from https://store.rg-adguard.net/ (Don't worry, this isn't piracy even though it looks sketchy). If it's a paid app like Sea of Thieves you will get an encrypted .eappxbundle file. This isn't a problem as long as you own the app on the Microsoft Store. If you get a .appxbundle file then you should be able to run it with TWINUI and it will install automatically.

However with the .eappxbundle file you need to use Powershell as an administrator and navigate to the folder that contains your .eappxbundle file by typing for example "cd C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads". Then press enter. Next type "Add-AppxPackage .\FILENAME.eappxbundle" and press enter.

Hope this helps anyone who experiences the same issue!

:)

 

Microsoft Download Center Updates

Quite a few new downloads popped up today on the Microsoft Download Center. Here's a list:
* Windows Media Center Software Development Kit
* Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack Monthly Update (July 2007)
* Microsoft Forefront Server Security for SharePoint 10.x Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007
* Microsoft Server Network Load Balancing Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007
* Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007
* Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007
* Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Monthly Update (July 2007)
* Microsoft Forefront Server Security for Exchange 10.0 Management Pack for Operations Manager 2007
* Windows CE .NET 4.2 Platform Builder Monthly Update (July 2007)

MS Download Center

 

Windows 10 KB3213986 Update Cripples Multi-monitor Gaming

This should be enough to get the conspiracy theorists suggesting that Microsoft is intentionally crippling multi-monitor support in fullscreen mode since games sold on the Microsoft Store all work in the pseudo-fullscreen mode...

Or it could just be an idiotic bug that will be fixed in time.

 

Clean Install Workaround for Vista

You may remember this news story on techPowerUp! a couple of days ago relating to the lack of clean installs when using the Upgrade Editions of Vista, which required an old OS to be installed. However, Paul Thurrott has managed to find a workaround for this issue, which ironically lets users do a clean install Vista without any previous version of Windows, albeit a little tedious. Here are the steps:

• Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD as normal
• When prompted for a product code, leave this blank
• Select the version of Vista you have purchased and let Vista install
• When you boot to your desktop for the first time, run the Vista setup from Windows
• This time enter your product key
• When asked whether you want to do an Upgrade of Custom install, select custom and choose a clean install
• Windows will now install for a second time and you should be able to activate it

Remember, these steps are only advised for use in order to achieve a clean install of Vista, it is only legal to use the upgrade editions if you have previously purchased the appropriate version of Windows.

Source: DailyTech