If you’ve been working in a Windows environment and encountered error 80090016, you’ve likely felt the wave of frustration that comes with cryptic error codes. This particular error is commonly associated with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) issues, particularly when using tools like Microsoft Outlook, Office apps, or configuring authentication services such as Windows Hello or BitLocker.
In this blog, we’ll break down what error 80090016 actually means, why it occurs, how you can resolve it, and what preventive steps you can take to avoid seeing it again.
Error 80090016 typically occurs when a system attempts to access cryptographic keys stored in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and the TPM is either inaccessible or compromised. The TPM is a hardware-based security feature used to safeguard sensitive data such as encryption keys, digital certificates, and login credentials.
The full error message may resemble something like:
Error Code: 80090016
Keyset does not exist.
In Microsoft applications, this error often pops up when trying to sign in, activate software, or use secure channels for communication.
Microsoft Outlook or Teams fails to sign in
Office apps keep asking for credentials
Windows Hello PIN setup fails
BitLocker recovery key cannot be retrieved
Third-party apps using Windows cryptography APIs crash or freeze
Here are the primary reasons this error surfaces:
TPM Configuration Issues: The TPM may be disabled or misconfigured in the BIOS.
Corrupted Cryptographic Profile: User profiles linked with cryptographic operations may become corrupted.
Incompatible or Missing Certificates: Expired or missing certificates used for login or encryption.
Reset TPM Without Profile Clean-Up: TPM reset without deleting associated cryptographic material.
Hardware Changes: Motherboard or processor replacements can desynchronize the TPM from user profiles.
Third-party antivirus or security software interfering with authentication processes.
Let’s look at some recommended solutions based on your setup and severity:
If you’ve recently changed hardware, clearing the TPM might help:
Boot into BIOS/UEFI settings.
Locate the TPM settings (might be called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM).
Select “Clear TPM Keys” or “Reset TPM.”
Save and reboot.
Note: You should back up important data and BitLocker recovery keys before doing this!
If you’re facing this issue with Windows Hello PIN:
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Remove your existing Windows Hello PIN or Fingerprint.
Restart the system.
Set up Windows Hello again.
Sometimes the cryptographic profile tied to a user gets corrupted:
Create a new user account with administrative privileges.
Transfer files from the old profile.
Delete the original account after ensuring all data is backed up.
Some security programs interfere with credential managers:
Temporarily disable or uninstall third-party antivirus.
Check if Office or authentication services resume normal functioning.
If resolved, consult vendor documentation to whitelist affected services.
You can use MMC to delete invalid credentials:
Open certmgr.msc.
Navigate to Trusted People > Certificates.
Look for any expired or invalid certificates and delete them.
Restart your system.
In managed environments like Active Directory or Azure AD, error 80090016 might require deeper digging:
Reset TPM via Group Policy
Check Intune MDM policies
Synchronize certificates and credentials using PowerShell scripts
Re-enroll the device in Azure AD
In such cases, involve your IT admin before making changes.
Once you’ve solved the issue, take these steps to avoid future headaches:
✅ Enable and update TPM in BIOS regularly
✅ Always backup BitLocker and recovery keys
✅ Avoid abrupt hardware changes
✅ Keep Windows and Office apps up to date
✅ Regularly audit and clean out expired certificates
✅ If using third-party security software, check compatibility with TPM and Windows Crypto APIs
Error 80090016 may seem intimidating, but at its core, it’s a signal that something’s gone wrong with how your device handles sensitive credentials and encryption keys—whether that’s through TPM misconfiguration, profile corruption, or software interference. With the right mix of detective work and troubleshooting, most users can resolve it without needing a complete system wipe.
By understanding the mechanisms of your system’s security infrastructure and being proactive about updates and backups, you can turn this annoying error into a rare sight on your digital journey.