If a recent Windows update appears to have caused a problem, you can try removing that update from Settings or, if Windows will not start, from Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). If the problem began after upgrading to a new Windows version, use the separate Go back recovery option instead. These are different operations, and the rollback option is time-limited.
Choose the recovery option that matches the change
| What happened | Option to try | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| A recent quality update was followed by a problem | Uninstall the update in Settings, or use Windows RE if you cannot access Windows. | Some updates cannot be uninstalled. Removing a security update may remove its protections. Microsoft’s uninstall guidance advises understanding the risks. |
| The problem began after a feature upgrade to a new Windows version | Use Go back to return to the previous version, if the option is still available. | Microsoft says this option is available for 10 days after upgrading. Personal files are kept, but apps, drivers, and settings added or changed after the upgrade are removed. Microsoft’s recovery guidance explains the effects. |
| Windows 11 has update-related issues, but you want to keep the current version | Consider Fix problems using Windows Update. | This reinstalls the current Windows version to repair system files and components while preserving apps, files, and settings. It is not a rollback, and may be unavailable on managed devices or some older configurations. Microsoft’s repair instructions describe availability. |
Before you uninstall an update
- Check Update history to identify which update installed shortly before the problem began. Timing alone does not prove the update caused the issue, but it helps identify what to test.
- Microsoft says not to remove an installed update unless necessary; some updates cannot be removed. Uninstalling a security update can leave the device without the protection it supplied. Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ covers update risks.
- Back up important files before using recovery options. The consequences depend on the option you select: uninstalling an update keeps personal files, apps, and settings, while going back after a feature upgrade removes apps, drivers, and settings added or changed since that upgrade.
- If BitLocker is enabled, have the recovery key ready. Microsoft says it is needed to access most recovery options from Windows RE. Microsoft’s Windows RE guidance explains access to recovery tools.
Uninstall an update when Windows still starts
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Update history.
- Under related settings, select Uninstall updates.
- Select the update associated with when the problem began, then choose Uninstall.
- Restart if Windows prompts you, then check whether the problem remains.
The Settings route works only for updates Windows allows you to remove. If the update is not listed or Windows will not let you uninstall it, do not assume another recovery option will remove it; consider the recovery choices that match the actual change.
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Uninstall an update if Windows will not start normally
Use Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to reach the update-removal tools. Windows RE may start automatically after repeated failed starts. Microsoft also documents other ways to enter it, including through recovery settings. See Microsoft’s Windows RE access guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Enter Windows RE.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
- Choose the applicable update-removal option shown on your device and follow the prompts. The labels available can vary; use the choices displayed locally rather than relying on a label that may differ.
If Windows RE asks for a BitLocker recovery key, provide the key to continue. Back up important files before proceeding whenever you can access them.
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Go back after a feature upgrade
If the issue began after upgrading to a new Windows version, look for Go back rather than uninstalling an individual update. In Microsoft’s current recovery guidance, the option is available for 10 days after upgrading. It keeps personal files but removes apps, drivers, and settings added or changed after the upgrade. The option may no longer be available once that period has passed. Microsoft documents the rollback and its effects.
When to repair Windows instead of rolling it back
On Windows 11, Fix problems using Windows Update can reinstall the current version of Windows to repair system files and components while preserving apps, personal files, and settings. Use it when you want to repair the installation without returning to an older Windows version. Microsoft says the option may be unavailable on managed devices or some older configurations. Check Microsoft’s instructions for the repair option.
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Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice.
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