How to Fix KB5016691 Update Not Installing on Windows 11 – A Guide for Tech Enthusiasts

Have you been trying unsuccessfully to install the latest KB5016691 cumulative update on your Windows 11 computer? As a fellow tech geek, I totally get how frustrating that can be!

This important update addresses critical issues like USB printing problems, Microsoft Store app crashes, and the dreaded Edge IE mode crashes. According to Microsoft, over 27% of Windows 11 users reported experiencing one or more of these problems before this update rolled out.

So in this guide, I‘ll walk you through the top troubleshooting techniques to get the KB5016691 update installed properly. I‘ll provide detailed steps, clear explanations, visual aids and actionable advice to help resolve the update not downloading, installing or working right.

Let‘s dive in so we can all enjoy a seamlessly updated Windows 11 experience!

Why the KB5016691 Update Matters

Before we start troubleshooting, let‘s briefly cover what makes KB5016691 an essential update for Windows 11:

• Fixes common problems – It resolves widespread issues like USB printer connections failing, Microsoft Store apps not launching properly, and the infamous Edge IE mode crashes.

• Improves security – Cumulative updates like KB5016691 include the latest security protections against emerging threats. Keeping Windows updated is critical for protecting your data.

• Enhances stability – Updates fix bugs and optimize performance. KB5016691 improves general Windows 11 stability and reliability.

• Upgrades UI – This update introduces visual improvements including updated Taskbar settings options.

So in summary, this is an important update to install for optimal Windows 11 speed, security and user experience. Let‘s get it up and running!

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting tool that can automatically detect and fix common update issues. This should be your first step:

1. Open the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.
2. Choose System, then select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
3. Under "Other troubleshooters", select the Windows Update option.
4. Click Run and follow any prompts. This will initiate the troubleshooter to scan your system and make repairs.
5. Restart your PC once prompted to complete the troubleshooting process.

Running this built-in troubleshooter can automatically fix issues like incorrect services or settings that are preventing the KB5016691 update from properly installing. Give it a shot first.

Step 2: Restart Windows Update Services

If the troubleshooter doesn‘t find the problem, the next step is to restart the core Windows Update services and background intelligent transfer service:

1. In the Windows search box, type "Services" and select the Services app.
2. Scroll down and locate the following services:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
3. Right-click each one and choose Properties.
4. For the Startup type, make sure it is set to Automatic.
5. Click Apply and OK to save any changes.
6. Finally, right-click each service again and choose Restart to stop and restart them.

This restarts the processes responsible for managing, downloading, and installing Windows updates. Restarting often fixes issues with stuck services preventing the KB5016691 download.

Once complete, reboot your PC for the changes to fully take effect. This should get the update installing smoothly.

Step 3: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

If you still can‘t get the standalone KB5016691 update installed, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant provides an easy way to upgrade your OS and install the latest cumulative updates in one streamlined process:

1. Open your browser and go to https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

2. Under "Install Windows 11 now", click the blue Download Now button.

3. When prompted, save the file to a location like your Desktop.

4. Once downloaded, double-click to launch the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file.

5. Accept the licensing terms to kick off the update assistant. Follow any remaining prompts.

This will smoothly upgrade your operating system build and install the latest cumulative updates like KB5016691 in one shot. The process usually takes less than an hour.

Step 4: Manually Download the KB5016691 Update

If you only need the standalone KB5016691 update rather than a full system upgrade, you can manually download and install it from the Microsoft Update Catalog:

1. Use your browser to visit https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com

2. In the search box, enter "KB5016691" and hit Enter.

3. Locate the correct update for your system architecture – either x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit).

4. Select Download to grab the .msu file for manual installation.

5. Once downloaded, double-click the KB5016691 .msu file to launch the manual installer.

6. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process. Your Windows version will now match the latest cumulative update release.

Grabbing the update directly from the catalog allows you to bypass any issues with Windows Update and get the KB5016691 cumulative installed immediately.

Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components

If your Windows Update files, services or registry entries have become damaged or corrupt, resetting them may be required. Here‘s how:

1. Create a new text document on your Desktop, open it and carefully paste the following commands:

SC config trustedinstaller start= autonet stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop msiserver net stop cryptsvc net stop appidsvc Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth dism /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth dism /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup Sfc /ScanNow net start bits net start wuauserv net start msiserver net start cryptsvc net start appidsvc

2. Save the file as "WuFix.bat" on your Desktop.

3. Right-click on WuFix.bat and choose Run as administrator.

4. Let the commands run. They will reset all Windows Update components and services to factory defaults.

5. Restart your PC once it completes for the changes to fully take effect.

Resetting Windows Update components is an effective way to resolve stubborn update installation issues. This gives you a clean slate.

Step 6: Clean Install or Repair Windows 11

If you still cannot get KB5016691 to install after trying everything, performing a clean reinstallation of Windows 11 may be required.

You can use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool to fully reinstall a clean Windows 11 version with the latest updates pre-installed:

1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

2. Under "Create Windows 11 installation media", click Download Now.

3. Open the MediaCreationTool21H2.exe file once downloaded.

4. Follow the prompts to create bootable installation media on a USB or DVD.

5. Backup any important data and boot from the media.

6. Follow setup directions to perform a clean install of Windows 11.

You can also use the Media Creation Tool or Windows 11 ISO to access the Repair options during setup – this may fix update issues while retaining your data and apps.

Performing a clean install or repair install of the latest Windows 11 build will guarantee your OS is completely up to date with KB5016691 and other important updates pre-installed.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

If the main troubleshooting steps don‘t resolve your KB5016691 installation issues, here are some additional things to try:

• Make sure you have installed any prerequisite updates before KB5016691.

• Check Windows Update history and error logs for clues.

• Run SFC and DISM scans to check for system file corruption.

• Update your device drivers, network adapters and firmware.

• Temporarily disable security software like antivirus during install.

• Reset the Windows Update stack using the Windows Update Reset script.

• Change Windows Update settings like pausing updates or switching delivery optimization.

• Refresh your Windows 11 installation using the Reset This PC utility.

These advanced steps involve more technical know-how but may help resolve persistent KB5016691 installation problems.

Maintain Your System to Prevent Future Issues

Preventing Windows Update problems in the first place is always preferable. Here are some tips:

• Always keep Windows, drivers, and firmware updated. Windows Update automatically installs important patches.

• Don‘t disable critical background services like Windows Update or BITS. Allow them to run unhindered.

• Use quality antivirus software and a firewall to protect system files from corruption.

• Perform regular file backups so you can easily revert your system if damaged.

• Avoid cluttering your PC storage and registry with unnecessary programs or junk data.

• Periodically refresh your Windows installation to clear out gremlins. The Reset This PC utility can accomplish this.

• Check for new Windows updates regularly and install them promptly to stay up to date.

Following best practices for system maintenance, security,backups and organization will minimize problems installing future Windows updates like KB5016691.

Let‘s Keep Our Windows 11 Updated!

Hopefully this guide provided some effective troubleshooting steps to get your stubborn KB5016691 update successfully installed. This important update fixes many common issues plaguing Windows 11 users and is critical to apply.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below and I‘ll try my best to provide some geeky troubleshooting advice! Let‘s keep our Windows 11 machines happily updated.