How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Code “80090016”

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware-based security feature residing in the motherboard or processor. It secures critical data and authenticates trusted applications.

The primary function of TPM is to protect PCs from malware and cyberattacks. However, if system hardware security experiences issues while communicating with TPM, the error message with code 80090016 “Your computer’s trusted platform module has malfunctioned” may appear when launching or logging into Microsoft Teams.

This error, although associated with TPM, can also result from issues with Microsoft login credentials or corruption in the Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin folder. These are key causes. Let’s proceed with troubleshooting methods to resolve this issue.

1. Remove Microsoft Office credentials from the credential manager

As previously stated, this error is due to an issue with Microsoft login credentials. Begin by clearing the Microsoft Office credentials from the credentials manager before proceeding with other troubleshooting methods. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Win key.
   
2. Then, type Control Panel to open it.
3. Click on the Category option and select Small Icons from the top right.
   
4. Navigate to Credential Manager.
   
5. Click on Windows Credentials.
   
6. Over here, find the entry named MicrosoftOffice16… and click on it.
7. Then, click Remove and click Yes to confirm the action.
   
8. Once done, open any office application and go to Account. and click on Sign-out.
9. Once done, sign in to the office application and launch Microsoft Teams to see whether the error is fixed or not.

2. Delete Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin

Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin is a package for work and organization accounts, typically operating without issues. If problems arise, you may encounter an error message. To eliminate potential folder corruption causing this error, we will attempt to delete the Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin.

The Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin folder will automatically be created when you relaunch Microsoft Teams. Please follow these steps:

1. Open the Run Program by pressing the Win + R keys simultaneously.
2. Here, type appdata in the box and click OK to open the folder.
   
3. From here, navigate to Local > packages.
   
4. Here, search the folder Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin.
5. Right-click on it and click the Delete icon to remove the folder.
   
6. If you’re encountering an error while attempting to delete the folder, create a new local account with administrative permissions. Refer to the 6th method of this guide for instructions.
7. After completing the process, launch Microsoft Teams; you should be ready to proceed.

3. Uninstall TPM from the device manager

To address the Microsoft Teams error, you can uninstall the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) from the device manager. To rectify it, follow these steps to uninstall the TPM:

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
   
2. Once it is opened, expand the Security devices.
3. Right-click the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and select Uninstall.
   
4. Click Uninstall to confirm.
5. Once done, check whether the error persists or not.

4. Run SFC Scannow

System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows command line utility that enables users to restore corrupted system files. It’s been reported that one affected user resolved the issue by running the SFC command. Hence, your fourth solution is to use the SFC command utility. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Hit the Win key and type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Now type sfc /scannow and hit the Enter key to execute the command.
4. As soon as you press Enter, the verification will start. Just wait for it to be completed.
5. Once done, launch the Microsoft Teams to see if this worked or not.

5. Reinstall the Microsoft Teams

Application file issues can also cause this error. Despite this issue being unlikely, it remains advisable to reinstall Microsoft Teams if the error persists. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Press the Win key and type add or remove programs.
   
2. Open the Programs & Features settings by hitting the Enter key.
3. Here, search the Microsoft Teams application.
4. Click the three dots and click Uninstall.
   
5. Once again, click Uninstall to remove the application.
6. Once the Microsoft Teams is uninstalled, open the Microsoft Store and install the Microsoft Teams.
   

6. Create a new user profile

When a user establishes a new profile, Windows generates new system files, including Microsoft Store apps. As none of the previous solutions were effective, creating a new user profile could be the answer. Please follow these instructions to do so:

1. Open the Settings by using the combo of Win + I keys.
2. Navigate to Accounts > Other Users.
   
3. Click the Add Account button.
   
4. Then, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
   
6. Here, type the name of the account and click Next to create an account.
   
7. Once done, select the account and click Change account type.
8. Select Administrator from the account type and click OK.
   
9. Once done, sign in to the new user account and see if this works or not.

7. Configure MMC (Microsoft Manage Console)

The Microsoft Management Console (MMC) oversees Windows’ hardware, software, and network components by enabling users to create, save, and open administrative tools. It can manage certificates for Microsoft Teams. Here are the instructions to do so:

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Run.
   
2. Here, type mmc in the input box and click OK to run the Microsoft Manage Console.
   
3. Now click File and click Add/Remove Snap -in… You can also use Ctrl + M shortcut to navigate.
   
4. Here, select Certificates and click Add.
   
5. Select Computer account and click Next.
   
6. Click Finish and click OK to close the Window.
7. Expand Certificates from the left pane.
8. Then, expand Personal and click Certificates.
9. Here, find the entry with the name “MS-ORGanization.” If you can find it, right-click on it and delete it.
   
10. Once done, close the MMC program, and this should fix this error.

8. Reset the Microsoft Teams

After following the above methods, this issue should no longer occur. However, if the problem persists, your final option may be to reset the Microsoft Teams application, which will remove the application data. Unlike uninstalling, resetting can fix potential corruption within the data. Here are the steps to perform this reset:

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Settings to open it.
   
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Microsoft Teams, then click the three dots.
4. Select Advanced options to view more options.
   
5. Scroll down to Reset and click the Reset button.
   
6. Once done, check if the problem is now resolved or not.