KB5016691 is now available for users in the production channel as an optional cumulative preview update. This update doesn’t come with new features, but there are several bug fixes that you can check out. The patch is out via Windows Update, but you can also download the offline installers of Windows 11 KB5016691.
The update is marked as ‘optional’ which means it is an additional cumulative release and is not required for the proper operation of your computer. However, you can install Windows 11’s August 2022 optional update to resolve unforeseen problems.
Installing the August 2022 optional update will advance your system to Windows 11 Build 22000.918. Windows Updates previously used to be thoroughly tested, so users did not have to worry about them in the past. However, Windows Updates lately contain too many changes that cause problems for some users.
In other words, it’s best if you skip Windows 11 Build 22000.918 for now and choose to wait for Windows 11’s September 2022 Patch Tuesday update. This preview update includes all the fixes that will be released to everyone on the next Patch Tuesday, and you won’t be able to skip that patch.
Download Links for Windows 11 KB5016691
Windows 11 KB5016691 Direct Download Links: 64-bit
Many users highlighted installation issues with previous Windows 11 updates. You should use the above offline installers if you frequently run into Windows Update issues.
In some cases, having multiple updates queued is one of the primary causes of Windows Update failure. When that happens, you can either reboot the device or simply run the .msu file to install the update.
If you’re still having update issues, you can manually delete your update files, including any potentially corrupt files or frozen downloads. To do this, restart your computer in Safe Mode and follow these steps:
- In File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\
- Delete SoftwareDistribution folder.
- Restart your computer
Once done, rerun Windows Update and you’ll be able to install KB5016691.
Windows 11 KB5016691 (Build 22000.918) changelog
You can now remotely add languages and language-related features to Windows 11. Users can also manage language scenarios across several endpoint managers. This is an enterprise-only change, but it’s one of the new features in this release, according to official release notes.
Windows 11’s new feature compresses a file regardless of its size, but it only works when you have configured Server Message Block (SMB) Compression. This is another enterprise feature touted as a new addition to Windows 11.
A new feature uses Windows Defender’s existing configuration to better identify and intercept ransomware and advanced attacks.
In terms of bug fixes, Microsoft has patched an issue that affects the automatic high dynamic range (Auto HDR) feature. The update also addresses an issue where Microsoft Edge could stop when you use Internet Explorer mode.
Another bug has been fixed virtualized Office apps won’t open or respond i.e stop working unexpectedly.
A list of all fixes in Windows 11 Build 22000.918:
- Fixed an issue where users couldn’t access device features. The bug causes bidirectional communication issues.
- Fixed an issue where BitLocker performed slower than usual.
- Fixed an issue that prevented Windows 11 SE from trusting some Microsoft Store apps.
- Fixed an issue that blocked non-Windows hardware from authenticating.
- Fixed an issue that causes the Resultant Set of Policy tool to stop working.
- Fixed an issue where the Settings app stops working on server domain controllers (DCs).
- Fixed an issue that might cause Bluetooth audio headsets to stop playing. This bug affects modern devices with Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP).
- Fixed an issue where users couldn’t receive driver updates via Windows Update when the extension driver is installed, but the base driver is missing.
There aren’t too many changes in this release and that’s because the tech giant is focused on Windows 11 22H2 (Windows 11 2022 Update) commercial launch.
Microsoft has also bundled a new version 22000.910 of Windows Servicing Stack with today’s optional update. This makes improvements to the servicing stack that is responsible for installation of updates on your computer. For those unaware, servicing stack quality is necessary for robust and reliable performance.
Known issues in August 2022 optional update
Microsoft has also warned Windows 11 Build 22000.918 could break XPS viewer which may result in performance worries for some folks, mostly enterprise customers. The XPS Viewer may not run properly and users won’t be unable to browse XML Paper Specification (XPS) documents.
This issue apparently affects XML Paper Specification and Open XML Paper Specification files. Microsoft officials added that a broken XPS viewer won’t affected most home users and it’s also no longer installed by default.
