Windows delivers timely updates to its users to keep their operating systems running bug-free and safe from viruses and malware at the same time. However, as well-polished as the Windows update delivery timeline is, it still isn’t perfect.
Sometimes updates fail and things don’t go as planned. In this article, we’re taking a look at the Windows 11 cumulative update KB5016691 failed error, its causes and what you can do to fix the problem.
Also read: How to fix Incorrect Windows 11 Audio icons?
Why did this happen?
Windows updates usually fail because of either device or internet failure during the update installation process. However, other reasons include:
- Improper installation.
- Malware or virus infection.
- Storage errors.
How to fix this?
Here are 10 fixes you can try out.
Restart your PC
Restarting your PC is by far one of the most simple and effective solutions to just about any problem you run into while using Windows. Graphics issues, network problems, update glitches, rebooting has got you covered.
It’s also not a bad idea to check your internet connection real quick. At times a dead or inactive internet connection can be the root cause of a lot of problems.
Disable VPNs
Improperly configured VPNs can cause conflicts with network adaptors on Windows, whether you’ve set them up manually or using a VPN client that does all the work for you.
In any case, try disabling the VPN and reverting any changes to see if your VPN conflicted with the Windows update.
Disable any third-party antivirus
Microsoft has revealed that certain Symantec and Norton antivirus versions do not work well with this particular update. Try disabling or uninstalling any third-party security software that you might have on your PC to see if you can install the update then.
Run the Windows 11 update troubleshooter
Just like Windows 10, Windows 11 also comes with a bunch of helpful troubleshooters that’ll automatically detect and resolve any problems your PC might be facing. The same goes for the update troubleshooter, here’s how.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Troubleshoot settings. Click the corresponding search result.
Step 2: Click Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Scroll to find the Update Troubleshooter and click the Run button.
This should automatically fix the problem.
Run an SFC Scan
Corrupt files are the number one reason your PC might behave weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problem, use the following command to resolve them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC and try updating again.
Clear corrupt data caches
Certain Windows Update components might possibly have encountered some corrupt cache files which can trigger this error.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2: Run the following commands, one at a time and press enter after each one.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
pause
Exit
Restart your PC and try to update Windows again.
Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder
This method will change the name of your SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old. Windows will then have to redownload any files it needs to run the updates.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2: Type the following command in the prompt and press Enter.
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
When you restart your PC, Windows will automatically regenerate these files.
Reset Windows Update modules
Try completely resetting Windows Update modules to get them to work properly.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2: Type the following command in the prompt and press Enter.
net stop wuauserv cd %systemroot% ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv net stop bits net start bits net stop cryptsvc cd %systemroot%\system32 ren catroot2 catroot2.old net start cryptsvc regsvr32 Softpub.dll /s regsvr32 Wintrust.dll /s regsvr32 Initpki.dll /s regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s
Try running the update again and it should install without any problems.
Manually install the update
Another solution you can try is to manually install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Just head over to the catalogue site, type in the update number, in this case, KB5016691, and manually download the update to install it much like you would a program.
Repair your system
If nothing else works, the best way to get rid of the error is by simply reinstalling or repairing your OS.
The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your data.
You can download the Media Creation Tool here
