Windows 10 Pro 21H2 for x64 (KB5016616) Updates failing to install Error 0x80073701

SQL Baby 161 Reputation points
2022-08-31T02:48:52.727+00:00

Am getting this error message (for few weeks now) when Windows Update Settings attempts to install this update:

2022-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5016616)

There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80073701)

The windows versions is:
Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 21H2
Installed on ‎11/‎06/‎2020
OS build 19044.1766

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/august-9-2022-kb5016616-os-builds-19042-1889-19043-1889-and-19044-1889-67412989-3b5f-4443-89b4-f743382ab970236393-win-10-update-error-20220831.png

The Windows 10 update history webpage states that this update is for these OS Builds:

August 9, 2022—KB5016616 (OS Builds 19042.1889, 19043.1889, and 19044.1889)
Given my OS build is 19044.1766 – should my machine even be trying to install this update?

This follow up update is also failing.

August 26, 2022—KB5016688 (OS Builds 19042.1949, 19043.1949, and 19044.1949) Preview

Have tried all these for few weeks now to resolve the issue but getting the same error message!

1 Ran Windows Update Troubeshooter

2 Ran DISM Tool

3 Ran SFC or System File Checker

4 Reset windows update - Flushed the Software Distribution\ Download Folder

Stopped Windows Update & BITS services &

Deleted all files in this folder:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

5 Checked logs – search for the words “ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING” no such error message found

Help sorting this out will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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  1. SQL Baby 161 Reputation points
    2022-09-03T05:35:56.82+00:00

    All the steps listed in this question & post, including manually updating the (KB5016616) didn’t work.

    Resolved the issue by contacting MS Support & performing the following in-place upgrade for Win10 Pro!

    to perform in place upgrade, downloaded the Create Windows 10 installation media application from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
    ran this setup application MediaCreationTool21H2.exe to perform the in-place upgrade for Won10 Pro.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. T. Kujala 8,701 Reputation points
    2022-08-31T03:42:33.96+00:00

    Hi @SQL Baby ,

    You could download the update file manually and try to install it.

    https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5016616