Why You Need to Install the Windows 10/11 Update KB4494441 Twice

Days after the Windows 10/11 update KB4494441 release, users are starting to complain about a certain installation problem. According to them, they had to manually update KB4494441 on Windows 10/11. After that, they had to perform the installation once again.

How It All Started

Last May 14, 2019, Microsoft released KB4494441 for Windows 10 version 1809. The release was a part of the company’s monthly patch cycle. This update aimed to fix a critical security vulnerability that was prevalent on the previous versions. It also enabled protections against speculative side-channel vulnerabilities.

But even if the update included a handful of fixes, as with other Windows 10 versions, it comes with issues. The commonly reported issue associated with the KB4494441 update is the need to install it twice.

What Happens When Users Get the KB4494441 Update

So, what will happen if a user downloads the KB4494441 update?

1. To get the update, a user has to download the KB4494441 via Windows Update.
2. Once the update has been downloaded, the user will be required to reboot his computer.
3. After rebooting, Windows Update will again list the KB4494441 update for installation.
4. Another reboot will finally be required before it can be completely installed on a computer.

In some cases, the installation of the KB4494441 update will require multiple downloads and restarts. If two installations are completed successfully, it will show in the View Update History section.

Why Windows 10/11 Update kb4494441 Will Install Twice

Until now, Microsoft has not yet said a word as to why the KB4494441 update will install twice. However, they are imposing Windows 10/11 users to install the update twice. It seems that they are planning to take the update experience of users to the next level.

What to Do About the Windows 10/11 KB4494441 Update Failure

You can always try a bunch of solutions to fix Windows 10/11 KB4494441 update failures. We’ve listed a few solutions to try below:

1. Restart the Windows Update.

Sometimes, the most common reason why Windows updates fail is that there are two updates pending on Windows Update. It could be the KB4494441 update and another servicing stack update.

To prevent update issues, the general rule is that if a servicing stack update is in the queue, it needs to be installed first. Once it is installed, the computer needs to be rebooted before installing the next update.

2. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Your Windows 10/11 computer is shipped with a built-in troubleshooting tool, which you can use to fix Windows Update problems: Windows Update Troubleshooter.

To access this tool, simply follow these steps:

1. Input troubleshoot in the search bar and hit Enter. The Windows Update Troubleshooter should then appear on your screen.
2. Go to Settings and select Update and Security.
3. Navigate to the Troubleshooting section.
4. Click Fix problems with Windows Update.
5. Choose Advanced Options and hit Next.
6. Wait for the Troubleshooter to identify and fix the problems.

3. Pause the Update.

While it sounds counter intuitive, pausing the update may often fix the problem. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Update and Security.
3. Navigate to the Windows Update section.
4. Hit Advanced Options.
5. Toggle on the switch next to Pause Updates.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Once your computer is fully booted up, repeat steps 1 to 4.
8. This time, toggle off the switch next to Pause Updates.

By pausing the pending Windows updates, you will clear all download updates. Once everything is cleared, you may attempt to download the update again.

4. Run Windows 10/11 in Safe Mode.

If the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter does not work, simply delete all the old update files. To do this the quick-and-easy way, we suggest that you install a third-party PC repair tool for Windows. In just a few clicks, all unnecessary and junk files will be deleted from your computer.

But if you want to do things the manual way, you may run Windows 10/11 in Safe mode. Here’s a detailed guide on how to run Windows 10/11 in Safe mode:

1. Restart your computer.
2. When you reach the sign-in screen, click Power.
3. Select Restart while pressing and holding down the Shift key.
4. At this point, your computer will restart again. But this time, it will show the Options screen.
5. Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options.
6. Navigate to Startup Settings.
7. Hit Restart.
8. Your Windows computer will restart for the last time and display a new set of options, including the option to boot your computer in Safe mode.
9. To run your computer in Safe mode, press F4. To boot your computer in Safe mode with Networking, press F5.
10. Follow the on-screen prompts.

5. Use the Windows System File Checker.

System File Checker (SFC) is a handy utility in Windows devices that allows users to scan and restore corrupted system files that may trigger Windows update problems.

To run the SFC, follow these steps:

1. In the search bar, input CMD.
2. From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt.
3. Select Run as Administrator. The Command Prompt will now open.
4. Input the sfc /scannow command to start the scan.
5. Once the scan is complete, reboot your computer.

6. Seek Help from Experts.

If you feel that you have done everything in your power to resolve the problem, we suggest that you seek help from experts. Take your Windows 10/11 computer to a certified Windows technician and let him figure out the reason why there is a need to install the KB4494441 twice. Better yet, let him perform the update.

7. Just Skip the Update.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Microsoft also releases problematic updates. So, if the update is unnecessary, just skip it. Install it once Microsoft releases a more stable version.

Get the KB4494441 Update for Your Windows 10/11 Computer

Again, the KB4494441 update is readily available via Windows Update. And generally, it will download and install right away. But if it does not work, you can always force the update by going to Settings and select Update and Security. From there, click Windows Update and hit the Check for Updates button.

Did you install the KB4494441 update on your Windows 10/11 computer? Did you also install it twice? What’s your stand on this issue? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment on them below.