Windows 10 users, brace yourselves for another pit stop on the long road to polished operating systems. Microsoft recently rolled out the KB5046714 optional Preview cumulative update for Windows 10, version 22H2. This update is quite the toolkit for addressing a variety of pesky bugs—including a nasty gremlin that made uninstalling applications harder than cracking a walnut with a feather. But there’s more here than meets the update log. Let’s unpack all the fixes, what they mean for you, and why you should (or shouldn’t) install this update.
Unlike the security-centric updates forced upon users like that one PTA meeting no one can skip, this one gives you the power to opt-in. You won’t find security patches here, but what you will uncover are six targeted fixes aimed at smoothing out your Windows 10 experience.
The fix is a sigh of relief for Windows IT professionals and hobbyists alike, providing smoother frameworks for routine application management tasks.
But let’s not forget—optional updates can carry risks, such as new bugs sneaking in. Keeping a backup handy before installing this update? That’s just good sense.
Whether you’re gunning for smoother app management or simply enjoy knowing your cloud shortcuts are genuinely floating around intact, this preview update is worth considering. So, what do you say—are you hitting "Download and Install," or sitting this one out? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: BleepingComputer Windows 10 KB5046714 update fixes bug preventing app uninstalls
What is the KB5046714 Update?
The KB5046714 is categorized as an optional non-security preview update, meaning it's specifically designed for those who want to get a head start on Microsoft's bug fixes and improvements before these changes are officially deployed during the monthly Patch Tuesday event. Think of it as Microsoft's way of testing the waters before diving completely in.Unlike the security-centric updates forced upon users like that one PTA meeting no one can skip, this one gives you the power to opt-in. You won’t find security patches here, but what you will uncover are six targeted fixes aimed at smoothing out your Windows 10 experience.
Key Highlights of the Fixes
Here’s a breakdown of the six critical issues squashed in this update. Beyond surface explanations, we’ll dig into the tech implications of these fixes:- App Uninstall and Update Bug:
- The Issue: Picture this—you're trying to uninstall or update apps like Microsoft Teams, only to be slapped with vague error messages. The culprit? A conflict introduced by the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package.
- The Fix: The update resolves a foreboding PowerShell error, “Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA," that appeared while running the “Get-AppxPackage” command. This snags issues with managing packaged apps via PowerShell and restores functionality to both uninstalling and reinstalling apps. The fix is a gift to IT admins and casual users alike.
- Cloud File Drag-and-Drop Behavior:
- The Issue: Dragging and dropping files from your favorite cloud provider mistakenly performed a move operation, rather than the expected “copy” action. Oops.
- The Fix: Smooth drag-and-drop mechanics are back, respecting user intent and file handling conventions.
- Win32 Shortcut Cloud Backup:
- The Issue: Windows shortcuts, or .lnk files, were failing to back up to the cloud, leaving users with incomplete setups across devices.
- The Fix: The update patches this problem, boosting reliability for professionals syncing devices.
- Motherboard Replacement Not Activating Windows Automatically:
- The Issue: After replacing a motherboard (a task already taxing enough), affected users found activation issues preventing them from getting Windows back up and running.
- The Fix: Motherboard swap? No problem now. Activation processes are more flexible and robust.
- Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) Profiles:
- The Issue: Outdated carrier profiles caused configurations to go kaput on devices, especially for mobile operator settings.
- The Fix: This update freshens profiles to ensure carrier settings stay functional.
- Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) USB Printer Bug:
- The Issue: IPP printers connected via USB rendered Windows completely unresponsive during attempts to print.
- The Fix: Printing should now be snappy and drama-free—just like it was meant to be.
The Star of the Show: App Uninstall Bug
Microsoft specifically pinpoints the app uninstall bug as the center attraction of this update. This issue affected users attempting to uninstall or even update packaged apps, most notably through PowerShell or directly via the Microsoft Store. Imagine the frustration for a system admin managing applications across a fleet of machines or an enthusiastic gamer updating their Xbox app—only to find the process keeps crashing.The fix is a sigh of relief for Windows IT professionals and hobbyists alike, providing smoother frameworks for routine application management tasks.
How to Install KB5046714
Installing this update is optional—and as with all optional updates, caution is advised. Remember, you're signing up to be a beta tester of sorts. If you feel confident about diving in, here’s how to manually install it:- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Once the KB5046714 update appears, click the “Download and Install” link.
What About Known Issues?
Here’s some rare good news: According to Microsoft, no known issues are tied to the KB5046714 update. That doesn’t necessarily mean the coast is completely clear, but it’s comforting to know Microsoft isn’t already bracing itself for post-rollout chaos.Should You Update?
Before you rush to hit “Install,” assess your needs:- Are you experiencing any of the glitches listed, particularly the app uninstall error?
- Do you rely heavily on cloud services, frequent motherboard replacements, or IPP USB printers?
The Bigger Picture: Windows Non-Security Updates
The KB5046714 update is another clear example of Microsoft's evolving strategy with optional updates. By rolling out fixes ahead of time, they aim to identify and fix core issues early, reducing overall disruption. It's an olive branch for curious Windows users who don't mind navigating uncharted territory.But let’s not forget—optional updates can carry risks, such as new bugs sneaking in. Keeping a backup handy before installing this update? That’s just good sense.
Conclusion
The KB5046714 cumulative preview update brings some much-needed fixes to Windows 10, with a significant focus on usability and system reliability—the kind of tweaks that keep operating systems ticking like (responsibly built) clocks. Best part? If the fixes don’t compel you enough, you can wait for the safer Patch Tuesday deployment.Whether you’re gunning for smoother app management or simply enjoy knowing your cloud shortcuts are genuinely floating around intact, this preview update is worth considering. So, what do you say—are you hitting "Download and Install," or sitting this one out? Let us know your thoughts.
Source: BleepingComputer Windows 10 KB5046714 update fixes bug preventing app uninstalls
