How to fix
KB5016688 fails to install
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install the KB5016688 update on my Windows 10 PC but it did not work. What should I do?

Windows updates are really important. They provide new features, bug fixes, and security patches. However, sometimes people encounter problems when trying to install them. Recently, some users tried to install the KB5016688[ref en-1] update for Windows 10 but the process failed. The update addresses several issues:

• Game installations failing because of licensing problems
• Error 0x1E when shutting down or restarting a device
• Microsoft Edge stops responding when in IE mode
• Subscription activation failing under certain conditions

It is unknown why exactly the KB5016688 Windows update fails to install. However, there are some general things that could cause this. Most often, update installations fail because of corrupted system files, malfunctioning Windows services, or update components.

In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix KB5016688 fails to install in Windows 10. Unfortunately, manual troubleshooting can be a lengthy process. You can use a maintenance tool like [d1] to scan your machine. This powerful software can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below carefully.

Solution 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Click Troubleshooter
• Select Additional troubleshooters

• Run the Update troubleshooter
• Restart

Solution 2. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 3. Restart Windows Services

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box
• Type in services.msc and press OK
• Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service

• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK
• If the status is Running, right-click then select Restart
• Locate Windows Update service and double-click it
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and OK. If the status is Running, right-click, then select Restart

Solution 4. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc

• Restart your PC

Solution 5. Delete Files in the SoftwareDistribution Folder

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run command box
• Type services.msc and click OK
• In Services control panel locate the Windows Update service
• Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop
• Now open Windows Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows folder

• Find the SoftwareDistribution folder and Delete its contents

Solution 6. Install the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security
• On the right, locate and click View update history

• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code
• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number and press Search
• Download the update and install it manually

Solution 7. Update via Media Creation Tool

• Download Windows 10 installation media from the official website
• Open the tool once it installed
• Agree to license terms
• Choose Upgrade this PC now

• Wait for the update to be installed

How to uninstall KB5016688?

Some users have reported issues with the KB5016688 update - no sound in the taskbar, no Internet, black screen during startup, etc. You can uninstall the update if you have any problems with it.

• Click Windows key + I to open Settings
• Select Update & Security and open Advanced Options
• Select View your update history and click Uninstall Updates

• Select the update that you want to remove and select Uninstall