Windows Update error 0x800A0046

When attempting to run Windows Update you may receive the error 0x800A0046 with the message: "Please change your Internet Explorer security settings." There are numerous possible causes and solutions to this problem.

Solution 1
This can be caused if you are using an account which is a member of a Guest or Limited group. Also be sure to verify that your account is not a member of a group which may have membership in a a restricted group as the restriction may be inherited!

To resolve, remove the affected account or group from the restricted groups.

Solution 2
Set the Security Descriptor:

1. Click Start -> Run
2. In the textbox, type cmd and press Enter to open a command prompt
3. At the command prompt, type the following all on one line: sc sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA) (A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU) and press Enter.
4. Close the command prompt window and try Windows Update again.

Solution 3
The local Administrator and Service account must have the Impersonate a client after authentication right. Verify this in the security policy as follows:

1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
2. Open Administrative Tools and choose Local Security Policy
3. Click Local Policies -> Choose User Rights Assignment and open the Impersonate a client after authentication policy
4. On the Local Security Setting tab, add the SERVICE and Administrator accounts to the list of Users and Groups
5. Click OK to save your changes, then reboot

Solution 4

1. In Internet Explorer click Tools -> Options
2. On the Security tab, select the Internet icon and click Custom Level...
3. Scroll almost to the bottom until you find the Userdata persistence option and ensure it is set to Enable
4. Click OK then OK again to save your changes.
5. Close and re-open Internet Explorer.

Solution 5
Windows Update may fail if your system time is off significantly. Check an Internet time authority like those listed in this TechByte to ensure your system time is accurate.

More details on some of these solutions can be found in Microsoft support article 883821.

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