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Windows 8.1 phone Nokia Lumia 635: unable to install apps or update to Windows 10

Anonymous
2017-08-30T14:16:35+00:00

Dear all,

WhatsApp requires an upgrade in order for the app to work on my device. I try and update it, it gets stuck on 'pending' (no error message). I have tried soft reset (off/on), hard reset (power+volume), using wifi, not using wifi (and changing the setting to use mobile data), clearing all pending, changing date and time to not automatic, making sure my Microsoft account has the correct DOB, changing my language to English rather than matching the phone settings, soft and hard resets after all of the above before re-downloading the app, hard reset with wifi off followed turning it on again and syncing,.

In understand that Windows 8.1 is not longer supported and that this may be the issue. However, to upgrade to Windows 10 you need to install the Upgrade Advisor app, and my phone will not let me install apps, as it gets stuck on 'pending'.

Is my only option now a factory reset? Thought I'd check to see if there was an alternative (and indeed, if a factory reset might actually solve the problem) before wiping everything from my phone...!

Thanks in advance for your time,

Alice

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-09-03T17:12:50+00:00

    Hello,

    There are several possible reason's why you're encountering this issue. Before trying to perform a factory reset, let us try the following steps again:

    1. Make sure that you have a stable Wi-Fi internet connection.
    2. Check if Time and date settings are correct.
    3. Cancel all the pending downloads.
    4. Perform a soft reset. Press and hold Volume down and Power buttons until the phone vibrates and restart.
    5. Try downloading or updating apps again.

    If the issue still persists, you may need to perform a factory reset. This method usually rules out some software issues. Since this will remove all your apps, photos, messages, and other files, it is best that you create a backup to avoid data loss. You can restore from a backup during the initial set up which will bring your files and settings back.

    To reset your phone, go to Settings > About > Reset your phone.

    Don't hesitate to ask the community if you need more help.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-08-31T09:13:25+00:00

    I've tried many other apps for WP8.1 form the Store and none work. All stuck on pending for days, even weeks. Do you think a factory reset would solve it? (I've copied all my photos off). Thanks again.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2019-07-13T07:05:44+00:00

    Dear all,

    WhatsApp requires an upgrade in order for the app to work on my device. I try and update it, it gets stuck on 'pending' (no error message). I have tried soft reset (off/on), hard reset (power+volume), using wifi, not using wifi (and changing the setting to use mobile data), clearing all pending, changing date and time to not automatic, making sure my Microsoft account has the correct DOB, changing my language to English rather than matching the phone settings, soft and hard resets after all of the above before re-downloading the app, hard reset with wifi off followed turning it on again and syncing,.

    In understand that Windows 8.1 is not longer supported and that this may be the issue. However, to upgrade to Windows 10 you need to install the Upgrade Advisor app, and my phone will not let me install apps, as it gets stuck on 'pending'.

    Is my only option now a factory reset? Thought I'd check to see if there was an alternative (and indeed, if a factory reset might actually solve the problem) before wiping everything from my phone...!

    Thanks in advance for your time,

    Alice

    Windows 8.1 635 software update

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. RedSpook-9082 4,765 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-08-31T08:58:48+00:00

    You should be able to use all apps which support WP8.1 and are available in the Store. Do you have issues with other apps apart from Whatsapp ? Whatsapp should work, as they are pulling the support only for WP8.0 at the end of the year, WP8.1 should be fine.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. RedSpook-9082 4,765 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-08-30T15:31:27+00:00

    Only the Lumia 635 version with 1GB RAM can be updated to Windows 10 mobile, the 512MB version is not supported - have you checked which one is yours ?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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