How to fix
KB5018496 fails to install
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install KB5018496 because I am in the Insider program but it failed. What should I do?

Windows 11 updates are crucial to keep the system stable. Updates released by Microsoft offer various bug fixes, security patches, and even new features. Recently, Microsoft released a new update - KB5018496[ref en-1] but many fail when trying to install it. There are many reasons why this might be happening.

Currently, the update was released for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Improvements were made to the Microsoft Account experience in Settings, search visual treatments were enhanced on the taskbar to improve discoverability. Microsoft also fixed an issue that might cause vertical and horizontal line artifacts to appear on the screen and many more.

KB5018496 could fail to install in Windows 11 because of corrupted system files, malfunctioning Windows services, update components, etc. In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix the issue. However, manual troubleshooting can be a lengthy process.

You can try using a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues automatically. This powerful software can also clear cookies and cache which should increase performance. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

Solution 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Click the Windows button and select Settings
• Select System from the left pane, then scroll down on the right pane, and click on Troubleshoot
• Click on Other troubleshooters

• Locate the Windows Update troubleshooter and hit the Run button

Solution 2. Disable Third-Party Security Software

Sometimes antivirus software can block legitimate processes mistakenly. You should try disabling your antivirus and trying to run the update again.

Solution 3. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 4. Restart Windows Services

• Type services in the search bar and launch the Services utility
• Find Windows Update in the list
• Double-click on it, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply

• Now click on Restart the Service
• Do the same with Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Solution 5. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptsvc

Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"

Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak

Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak

Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

cd /d %windir%\system32

regsvr32.exe atl.dll

regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll

regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll

regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll

regsvr32.exe browseui.dll

regsvr32.exe jscript.dll

regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll

regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll

regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe softpub.dll

regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll

regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll

regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll

regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll

regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll

regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll

regsvr32.exe ole32.dll

regsvr32.exe shell32.dll

regsvr32.exe initpki.dll

regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll

regsvr32.exe wups.dll

regsvr32.exe wups2.dll

regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll

regsvr32.exe muweb.dll

regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll

netsh winsock reset

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start cryptsvc

• Wait for the process to finish and restart your PC

Solution 6. Perform a Repair Install

• Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 Installation Media
• Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC
• Select your USB drive
• Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive
• Click Finish
• On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer
• Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe

• Accept the license terms on the next screen
• Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept
• Click Install, and the upgrade should start