Windows updates, like those of other operating systems that exist (whether macOS, Android, iOS, your Linux distribution, etc.) are more than recommended. They make it possible to plug computer vulnerabilities into which hackers can penetrate.
But sometimes, new versions are not necessarily compatible with your hardware, or you don't necessarily want to install them. However, fixing vulnerabilities and bugs is not the only reason to update your system. The other reason, particularly at Microsoft, is the end of support for certain versions of Windows.
The end of this support often means that you will not have access to new updates (especially security), but also that you will not be able to get help from Microsoft teams in the event of a problem.
Patch KB5001716 allows you to force Windows updates
Deployed on computers with Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, this patch is in fact an update of Windows Update, the update tool for Windows and Microsoft products. This patch was detected by Neowin and the information relayed by TechRadar.
As Microsoft states: “When this update is installed, Windows may attempt to download and install feature updates on your device if it is nearing or has reached the end of support for the version of Windows currently installed.”
And to add: “After you install this update, Windows may periodically display a notification informing you of issues that may prevent Windows Update from keeping your device up to date and protecting it against current threats.”
So, if you are on Windows 10, the unwanted effect that this patch could have is to advise you to upgrade to Windows 11. Indeed, support for Windows 10 will soon end (less than a year remains) , and Microsoft would like you to upgrade to Windows 11. Except that your hardware cannot necessarily do so and therefore this update cannot be automated.
If your hardware is compatible with the next version, it is possible that Windows Update will take you there, without asking your opinion, as can be understood in the release notes cited above.
KB5001716 is actually not new
As TechRadar indicates, patch KB5001716 has actually already been talked about in the past. It is therefore entirely possible that Windows Update has already installed it on your machine.
A priori, we could say that it is not serious. Except, in fact, it may cause a conflict and you will get an error message saying that KB5001716 cannot be installed.
Don't panic, the solution to this problem is simple. Start by going to the Windows Update module on your PC (via the settings). Click the button to view the update history. Then find the option to uninstall an update. In the list that appears, look for KB5001716. Select the line then uninstall it.
After a slight reboot of the system you will be able to restart the update operation which crashed and the new version of KB5001716 should install correctly.
