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How to Fix KB4493472 and KB4493446 Bugs on Windows 11: Effective Solutions to Solve Update Errors

Windows updates are essential to keep your system secure and running smoothly. However, sometimes specific updates like KB4493472 and KB4493446 can cause errors or bugs during installation. These issues can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration.

Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to address these update errors. This guide will walk you through effective solutions step-by-step, ensuring you can fix these problems with minimal hassle.

Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with Windows troubleshooting, the solutions here are explained clearly and simply. By following this guide, you can restore your system’s update functionality quickly.

Let’s begin by understanding what to check before diving into fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure your internet connection is stable. Updates require a reliable connection to download files without interruption.
  • Check available disk space. Insufficient storage can cause update errors. Aim to have at least 10 GB free on your system drive.
  • Restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot clears temporary problems affecting updates.
  • Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software. These can interfere with update processes.
  • Verify that Windows Update service is running. This service is critical for downloading and installing updates.

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common update problems automatically.

  1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Go to System and then select Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to fix them.
  6. After completion, restart your computer and try installing the updates again.

Why this step is important: The troubleshooter can automatically address common glitches without manual intervention, saving you time and effort.

Step 2: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes, corrupted files in the Windows Update cache cause update errors. Clearing this cache forces Windows to download fresh update files.

How to clear the cache:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, locate Windows Update.
  4. Right-click on it and select Stop.
  5. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload.
  6. Select all the files and folders inside the Download folder and delete them.
  7. Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
  8. Restart your computer and try updating again.

Why this step is important: Deleting temporary update files can resolve corruption that blocks new updates from installing correctly.

Step 3: Use the DISM and SFC Tools to Repair System Files

System file corruption can also cause update failures. Windows includes tools to repair damaged files that might interfere with updates.

How to run these tools:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait patiently as the process may take several minutes. Do not close the window until it finishes.
  4. Once done, type this command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  5. Allow the System File Checker to scan and repair any corrupted files.
  6. After completion, restart your PC and attempt the update again.

Why this step is important: These tools fix OS-level issues that often cause update installation failures.

Step 4: Manually Download and Install the Updates

If automatic updating continues to fail, manually installing the updates can bypass glitches in the update process.

How to manually install updates KB4493472 and KB4493446:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for KB4493472 and download the version that matches your system architecture (x64 or x86).
  3. Repeat the search and download for KB4493446.
  4. Once downloaded, double-click each file to run the installer.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
  6. Restart your computer once both updates are installed.

Why this step is important: Manual installation eliminates dependency on Windows Update components which might be malfunctioning.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps do not resolve the problem, consider these options:

  • Reset Windows Update components: This involves stopping services, renaming folders, and restarting services via command prompt. It’s more technical but can fix deep update issues.
  • Perform a system restore: If updates recently started failing, restoring your system to a previous point can undo problematic changes.
  • Use Media Creation Tool: You can upgrade your PC to the latest version of Windows 11 using this tool, which refreshes system files without deleting your data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do KB4493472 and KB4493446 updates fail to install?

They might fail due to corrupted update files, system file errors, insufficient disk space, or conflicts with third-party software.

Is it safe to skip these updates?

It is not recommended to skip updates as they often contain important security patches and bug fixes.

Can I uninstall these updates if they cause problems?

Yes, you can uninstall problematic updates via Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

How do I know if my PC matches the update version?

Check your system type by going to Settings > System > About > System type (64-bit or 32-bit).

Will resetting Windows Update components delete my files?

No, this process only resets update-related files and services. Your personal files remain intact.

When Nothing Works

If all the above solutions fail, you can try the following:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for personalized help.
  • Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant: This tool can repair and update your system.
  • Consider a clean installation: Back up your data and perform a fresh Windows 11 install to resolve persistent issues.

Conclusion

Update errors like those caused by KB4493472 and KB4493446 are frustrating but usually fixable with simple steps. Start by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter and clearing the update cache. If needed, repair system files using DISM and SFC tools, or manually install the updates.

Always ensure your system is prepared by checking disk space and internet connectivity before troubleshooting. Advanced options and official support are available if the basic fixes do not work.

By following this guide patiently and carefully, you can overcome these update bugs and keep your Windows 11 system secure and up-to-date.

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