How to fix
KB5046633 fails to install
on Windows

I'm having trouble with the KB5046633 update on Windows 11 - the installation always fails. I don't know the next step. I restarted my PC several times and checked for updates again and again. The process stops with an error each time. Do you know some fixes for this? I would be grateful for any advice on installing this update correctly. Thanks a lot.

The update KB5046633 is for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, with builds 22621.4460 and 22631.4460, respectively. It is targeted at improvements concerning system performance and bug-fixing, including issues related to networking and application compatibility as well as security component enhancements. Other general stability improvements enhance the overall user experience.

A problem with KB5046633 appears to be that it does not install on some systems according to users. Some of the possible reasons are corrupt system files, insufficient disk space, and some problem with the Windows Update service itself. Thirdly, conflicts with third-party antivirus programs or networking issues will simply affect the update installation.

To begin resolving the issue of KB5046633 not installing, users can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing the update cache, or downloading the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. More information on resolving these issues will be mentioned below.

You might try to use a good repair tool like [d1] for the fastest way to diagnose and repair critical problems with your system that may be stopping KB5046633 from installing correctly, but that should allow for a smoother update process and a more robust system.

Fix 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the built-in troubleshooter can help identify and fix common update issues that may prevent KB5046633 from installing.

• Type troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter or go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
• From the list of Options, pick Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows Update and click Run.
• Wait for it to finish, then apply changes and restart the computer.

Fix 2. Check Windows Update services

Restarting Windows Update services can refresh any processes stuck during installation.

• Type Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• In the Services window, locate and double-click on the following services one by one (if these are already running, right-click and hit Restart):
  • Windows Update
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services
• For each service, ensure that the Startup type is set to Automatic. If it's not, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Check the Service status. If the service is not running, click the Start button to start it.
• Click Apply and then OK for each service.
• Close the Services window and restart your computer.

Fix 3. Check for disk space

Ensuring enough disk space can allow the update to proceed smoothly.

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 4. Run SFC and DISM scans

Corrupted system files can prevent updates from installing.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask whether you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
• sfc /scannow
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing the last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again.)
  
• Restart your computer.

Fix 5. Manually download and install KB5046633

Manual installation can bypass automated update issues.

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• Search for the update KB5046633.
• Find the version of the update that matches your system type.
• Click the Download button next to the correct version.
• In the window that opens, click the link to start the download.
• Once downloaded, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

Fix 6. Reset Windows Update components

Resetting the update components can clear more persistent errors.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator, as previously explained
• Copy and paste each of these commands, pressing Enter each time:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc
• Reboot your system.

Fix 7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if a background service or program is interfering with the update.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items, then close Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe boot option.
• Click OK in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
• Attempt to install the KB5046633 update again.