Windows AI models blocked by pending Windows Update (breaks working apps)

@BenJKuhn is already working on this.

Since May 20, 2026.

### Describe the bug

The Image Description capability is excellent and a key part of how we’re demonstrating Copilot+ PC value.

However, there is a critical servicing issue.

### Issue

A pending Windows Update can prevent a Windows AI model from loading, even though:

- The model is installed
- The app has not changed
- The app was previously working

From the app perspective, calls fail or stall with no clear reason. This appears to be related to the model update being delivered via MSIX and not being fully deployed, leaving the model in a blocked state.

### Impact
Working apps can stop functioning with no changes. In enterprise, users cannot trigger updates, so apps remain blocked and there's no clear signal or recovery path provided.

This breaks a core expectation: platform capabilities should remain usable until an update is actually applied.

This behavior also appears unique to Windows AI components.

### Gaps
AIFeatureReadyState.NotReady is not actionable

- No distinction between install, download, or update-blocked states
- No guidance on how apps should handle this
- No way to reliably test the condition
- Expected Behavior

Pending updates should not block the currently installed model
Blocking should only occur for critical (Pri 0) security issues

### Suggestions
Allow existing model versions to run until update is applied
Surface model updates in Windows Update
Provide explicit “blocked due to update” state
Document handling guidance and testing approach

### Steps to reproduce the bug

Start with a GA Copilot+ PC with Windows AI Image Description available
Run an app using the model and confirm it works
Allow a Windows Update for the model to become pending (but not installed)
Re-run the same app with no changes

Result:
Model fails to load or stalls with no clear error or guidance

### Expected behavior

The currently installed model should continue to load and function even if an update is pending
A pending update should not block runtime functionality
If blocking is required (e.g. critical security issue), it should be explicitly surfaced and detectable

### Screenshots

_No response_

### NuGet package version

1.8 and 2.0

### Packaging type

Packaged (MSIX)

### Windows version

Windows 11 version 24H2 (26100, June 2025 Update)

### IDE

_No response_

### Additional context

_No response_