WhatsApp update stuck on Microsoft Store – Windows 11

muralitharan ramasamy 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T05:18:10.73+00:00

Hi Microsoft Support,

I’m unable to update WhatsApp on my Windows 11 PC through the Microsoft Store. The WhatsApp page shows “Preparing to download – Queued”, but the update does not start or complete.

I have already tried opening the Microsoft Store and checking for updates, but the problem continues.

Please help me fix the Microsoft Store/WhatsApp update issue.

OS: Windows 11 App: WhatsApp Issue: Update stuck at “Preparing to download – Queued”

Please provide the steps to resolve this issue.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. Neil D 34,305 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-18T08:15:11.23+00:00

    That happens to me on and off. Usually it can be cleared by selecting the button that shows Queued or the 3 dots to the right. After a few times it completes.

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  2. ApexNáV 365 Reputation points
    2026-09-18T06:47:14.29+00:00

    I recommend downloading and installing WhatsApp from their official website using your browser. As for Microsoft Store, reset it to maintain its functionality using below steps taken from Microsoft page:

    1. Press the Windows key + R to open a Run dialog box.
    2. Enter wsreset.exe then select OK.
    3. A blank command prompt window will open, and after about ten seconds the window will close and Microsoft Store will open automatically.
    4. Open the Store app and search for your app or game.

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  3. John DeV 170.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-18T06:09:20.1933333+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Have you already tried the solutions suggested by the AI?

    If the issue persists, uninstall WhatsApp first

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uninstall-or-remove-apps-and-programs-in-windows-4b55f974-2cc6-2d2b-d092-5905080eaf98

    After that, please try the method below.

    Please open Windows Terminal as an administrator, then run the following command

    winget install -e --id 9NBDXK71NK08

    When prompted to accept the license terms, type Y and press Enter. Then, wait for the installation to complete.

    I look forward to your update and am willing to collaborate with you until we resolve the issue. Keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below.

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  4. AI answer

    2026-09-18T05:18:30.29+00:00

    Try these steps in order on Windows 11:

    1. Close and reopen Microsoft Store.
      • Close the Store with the X in the upper-right corner.
      • Open it again, then go to Library and select Get updates.
    2. Make sure Windows 11 is fully updated.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • If updates are available, select Install now.
      • Restart the PC after updates finish.
    3. Update Microsoft Store itself.
      • Open Microsoft Store.
      • Select Library > Get updates.
      • If a Microsoft Store update is available, let it install first, then try the WhatsApp update again.
    4. Verify Microsoft Store is not blocked.
      • If Microsoft Store shows a startup error or is restricted by policy, it may be blocked.
      • A common policy is RemoveWindowsStore. If this device is managed by an organization, that policy can prevent normal Store use.
    5. Check whether Microsoft Store is registered for the current user.
      • Open a non-elevated PowerShell window and run:
         Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore*
      • If Microsoft Store is not installed for the user, check whether it exists on the device by running this in an elevated PowerShell window:
         Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* -AllUsers
      • If the package exists, register it for the user by running this command from a non-elevated PowerShell window:
         Add-AppxPackage -RegisterByFamilyName -MainPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe
      • Important: using an elevated PowerShell window for the last command registers the app to the administrator instead of the user.
    6. Try installing or updating with winget.
      • Search for the app:
         winget search WhatsApp
      • Install the app:
         winget install WhatsApp
    7. Check firewall or proxy restrictions.
      • Microsoft Store requires specific endpoints, including Windows Update endpoints, to install or update apps.
      • If the PC uses a firewall, proxy, or managed network, verify those endpoints are not blocked.
    8. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System.
      • Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run.
    9. Repair or reset the affected app if needed.
      • If WhatsApp still does not update, use the Windows app repair/reset option for apps, then try reinstalling it from Microsoft Store > Library > Install.
    10. If the issue continues, contact support.
    • Use Contact Support from Microsoft support for Store app issues.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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