Windows updates are essential for keeping your PC secure, fixing bugs, and improving system stability. However, occasionally an update can cause new problems instead of fixing them.
You might experience a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), boot failure, slow performance, driver problems, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues, app crashes, or other errors immediately after installing a Windows update.
If the problem started right after an update, uninstalling the problematic update can be an effective troubleshooting step.
Windows 11 provides several ways to remove updates, including Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). You can even uninstall the latest update when Windows 11 won’t boot.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to uninstall Windows updates in Windows 11, how to identify the update causing the problem, and what to do if Windows doesn’t give you the option to remove it.
Important: Security updates often fix serious Windows vulnerabilities. Only uninstall an update when you have a specific reason to believe it is causing problems, and reinstall the update once Microsoft or the affected software/hardware vendor resolves the issue.
Before You Uninstall a Windows Update
Before removing anything, confirm that the problem started shortly after a Windows update was installed.
Go to:
Settings > Windows Update > Update history
Here you’ll see recently installed:
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Quality updates
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Driver updates
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Definition updates
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Other updates
Look at the installation dates and note the KB number of any update installed immediately before the problem appeared.
A Windows update identifier usually looks like:
KBXXXXXXXX
Knowing the KB number makes it much easier to identify and remove the correct update.
You can also search Microsoft’s Windows update history documentation for information about known issues associated with an update.
If your computer is experiencing a Blue Screen of Death, check whether the BSOD started immediately after installing an update before removing it.
Method 1: Uninstall Windows Updates From Settings
This is the easiest and safest method for most Windows 11 users.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Select Windows Update.
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Click Update history.
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Scroll down to Related settings.
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Select Uninstall updates.
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Find the update you want to remove.
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Click Uninstall next to it.
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Confirm the removal when prompted.
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Restart your computer if Windows asks you to do so.
Uninstall Windows updates from Settings
After restarting, check whether the original problem has disappeared.
Microsoft notes that not every Windows update can be uninstalled. If the update doesn’t appear here or the Uninstall option isn’t available, try one of the methods below.
Method 2: Uninstall Windows Updates Using Control Panel
Control Panel provides another way to view and remove certain installed Windows updates.
Press Windows + R, type:
control
and press Enter.
Then go to:
Programs > Programs and Features > View installed updates
Alternatively, search for Control Panel from the Start menu and open it manually.
Uninstall Windows updates from Control Panel (image)
Look for the update you suspect is causing the problem. Checking the Installed On column can help you identify recently installed updates.
If the update can be removed:
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Select it.
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Click Uninstall.
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Confirm the action.
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Restart Windows if required.
The Settings method should generally be your first choice on modern Windows 11 PCs, but Control Panel can still be useful for viewing certain installed updates and components.
Method 3: Uninstall a Windows Update Using Command Prompt
Advanced users may want to remove a specific update using the command line.
First, identify the KB number of the problematic update from:
Settings > Windows Update > Update history
For example:
KB1234567
Next, search for Command Prompt from the Start menu and select Run as administrator.
For Windows updates that support removal through the Windows Update Standalone Installer, the command takes this form:
wusa /uninstall /kb:1234567
Replace 1234567 with the actual KB number.
For example, if the update is KB5012345:
wusa /uninstall /kb:5012345
Follow the prompts and restart your computer if necessary.
What Is WUSA?
WUSA.exe is the Windows Update Standalone Installer. It can install and uninstall applicable Windows update packages.
The older version of this guide incorrectly described WUSA as the “Windows Update sandbox.” It is actually the Windows Update Standalone Installer.
Also remember that WUSA cannot necessarily remove every type of modern Windows update.
Method 4: Uninstall an Update When Windows 11 Won’t Boot
Sometimes a problematic update prevents Windows from starting normally.
You don’t need to reinstall Windows immediately.
Windows Recovery Environment includes a dedicated Uninstall Updates troubleshooting option.
If you can reach Windows, open:
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now
If Windows won’t start, the PC may automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment after repeated failed boot attempts. You can also access recovery options using Windows installation or recovery media when necessary.
Once you reach Windows Recovery Environment, select:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates
Windows will provide options for removing the latest applicable update.
Choose the appropriate option and follow the instructions.
This method is particularly useful when a recent Windows update causes:
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Boot loops
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Black screens
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Blue screens
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Startup failures
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Driver-related crashes
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Windows login problems
Restart the PC afterward and check whether Windows loads normally.
Method 5: Use System Restore
If uninstalling the update doesn’t solve the problem, System Restore can be another option—provided a restore point exists from before the issue started.
Search Windows for:
Create a restore point
Open it and select:
System Restore
Choose a restore point created before the problematic update or system change and follow the instructions.
If Windows won’t boot, System Restore can also be accessed through:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore
System Restore rolls back system files, drivers, registry changes, and some installed programs without deleting your personal files.
However, programs and drivers installed after the selected restore point may need to be installed again.
How to Roll Back a Major Windows 11 Version Update
Removing a monthly cumulative update is different from rolling back a major Windows version upgrade.
If problems began after upgrading to a newer version of Windows 11, go to:
Settings > System > Recovery
Look for the Go back option.
If it is available, select it and follow the instructions to return to the previous Windows version.
Microsoft normally makes the rollback option available only for a limited period after upgrading. It can also disappear if Windows removes the files required for the rollback.
Therefore, don’t delete previous Windows installation files if you think you may need to revert to the older version.
What If the Windows Update Cannot Be Uninstalled?
Don’t assume something is wrong with your PC if the Uninstall button is missing.
Microsoft does not allow every Windows update to be removed.
Depending on the update, Windows may integrate components into the operating system in a way that prevents normal uninstallation.
If an update cannot be removed, try these alternatives:
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Check Windows Update for a newer update containing a fix.
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Restart the PC and test again.
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Check Microsoft’s update history for known issues.
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Update or roll back an affected device driver.
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Use System Restore if an appropriate restore point exists.
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Use Windows Recovery Environment if Windows won’t boot.
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Use Windows 11’s recovery/reinstallation options if the installation itself has become damaged.
Avoid manually deleting files from Windows update directories simply to remove an installed update. Doing so can damage Windows servicing components and create additional update problems.
Should You Uninstall a Security Update?
Only when necessary.
Security updates are designed to patch vulnerabilities that could otherwise expose the PC to malware or attacks. Removing one can restore the vulnerable Windows components.
If a particular security update is clearly responsible for a serious problem, uninstalling it can be a temporary troubleshooting measure.
However, check for a newer replacement or corrected update and reinstall security fixes as soon as the underlying problem has been resolved.
Windows 10 Users
The basic removal process in Windows 10 is similar:
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates
However, Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Windows 10 PCs still work, but most normal Windows 10 installations no longer receive Microsoft’s standard free security updates. Eligible PCs may have other support options, including Extended Security Updates (ESU).
For this reason, Windows 11 should now be the primary focus when troubleshooting Windows updates on supported consumer PCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall a Windows 11 update?
Yes. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, locate the problematic update, and select Uninstall. However, Windows doesn’t allow every update to be removed.
How do I uninstall the latest Windows update if my PC won’t boot?
Enter the Windows Recovery Environment and select:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates
You can then remove the latest applicable update without booting normally into Windows.
Will uninstalling a Windows update delete my files?
Normally, uninstalling a Windows quality update does not delete your personal files. However, keeping a current backup of important files is recommended before making significant system changes.
Why can’t I uninstall a Windows update?
Some updates are required by Windows or cannot be independently removed after installation. If the Uninstall option isn’t available, check for a newer fix or consider recovery options such as System Restore.
How do I find which Windows update is causing problems?
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and compare the installation dates with when the problem first appeared. Note the update’s KB number and check Microsoft’s Windows update history for documented known issues.
Can I reinstall an update after uninstalling it?
Yes. If the problem has been resolved, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Windows can download and install applicable updates again.
Conclusion
If your PC starts crashing, showing a BSOD, experiencing driver problems, or failing to boot immediately after a Windows update, removing the latest update can help determine whether the update is responsible.
Start with Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. If Windows won’t start, use Windows Recovery Environment > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates instead.
Command Prompt and System Restore provide additional options when the standard method isn’t suitable.
However, don’t leave important security updates removed indefinitely. Once the problem has been fixed by Microsoft, your PC manufacturer, or the affected software developer, install the latest compatible Windows updates again to keep your system protected.
