How to Uninstall a Windows Update in Windows 11

A Windows update can sometimes cause unexpected problems, such as crashes, driver issues, broken apps, performance problems, or other errors that were not present before the update was installed. If the problem started immediately after a recent update, uninstalling that update can help you determine whether it is responsible. Windows 11 lets you remove some installed updates directly from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. If Windows is unstable or will not start normally, you can also use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to remove the latest quality or feature update. In this guide, we’ll show you how to uninstall a Windows update in Windows 11, including what to do when the normal uninstall option is unavailable or Windows cannot boot.

Before You Uninstall a Windows Update

Before removing an update, make sure the problem actually started after that update was installed. Uninstalling an update can remove security fixes and other changes it includes, so it should generally be used for troubleshooting rather than as a permanent solution.

Keep these points in mind:

• Create a backup: Back up important files before making system changes.
• Check the update history: Note the KB number and installation date of the update you suspect.
• Try restarting Windows first: Some update-related problems disappear after a normal restart.
• Know which type of update you’re removing: A regular quality update is different from a major feature update. The removal options can also differ.
• Some updates cannot be uninstalled: Windows may prevent the removal of certain updates, particularly those required for system security or servicing.

If you know which update caused the problem, you can now try removing it from Windows 11 Settings.

Method 1: Uninstall a Windows Update from Settings

The easiest way to remove a recent Windows update is through the Windows Update section in Settings. This method is useful when Windows 11 is still working normally and you can sign in to the desktop.

Steps to uninstall a Windows update

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
• Click Update history.

• Scroll down and select Uninstall updates.

• Windows will display a list of updates that can be removed.
• Find the update you want to uninstall. Check its KB number and installation date to make sure you have selected the correct update.
• Click Uninstall next to the update.
• Confirm the action if Windows asks you to do so.
• Restart your PC when prompted.

After restarting, check whether the problem that appeared after the update has been resolved.

Quick Insight: If the update you are looking for does not appear in the list, Windows may not allow it to be removed through Settings. In that case, try the recovery method below.

Method 2: Uninstall the Latest Windows Update from Windows RE

If Windows 11 fails to start properly after a recent update, you can remove the update from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This differs from the Settings method because you can use it even when you cannot access the normal Windows desktop. Microsoft currently recommends this recovery option for update-related startup problems. (Microsoft Support)

Steps to uninstall an update from Windows RE

1. Start your PC and wait for Windows to enter the recovery screen. If Windows does not automatically enter recovery, you can force it by interrupting the normal startup process several times.
2. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.

• Select Advanced options.
• Click Uninstall Updates.

• You should see an option to Uninstall latest quality update.
• Select it and follow the on-screen instructions.

• If prompted, select your Windows account and enter its password.
• Allow Windows to remove the update and restart the PC.

A quality update is the type of cumulative Windows update Microsoft releases regularly, including security and reliability fixes. This is usually the option to try when a problem appeared immediately after a recent monthly update. (Microsoft Support)

Important: Microsoft’s current recovery documentation also lists uninstalling updates through WinRE as an option when a PC will not start. If BitLocker is enabled, Windows may require your BitLocker recovery key to access certain recovery options. (Microsoft Support)

Method 3: Go Back to the Previous Windows Version

If the problem started after a major Windows feature update, such as moving from one Windows version to another, uninstalling a normal cumulative update is not the right approach. Instead, Windows may provide a Go back option that restores the previous version while keeping your personal files.

This is different from uninstalling a monthly quality update. The option is only available for a limited time after an upgrade and may not be available if the previous Windows installation files have been removed.

Steps to go back to the previous Windows version

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, look for Go back.
• Click Go back if the option is available.

• Select a reason for returning to the previous version and click Next.
• When Windows asks whether you want to check for updates, choose the option to continue if you are sure the update is causing the problem.
• Review the information about what will happen and select Go back to earlier build.
• Let Windows restart and complete the rollback.

When will the Go back option appear?

The Go back option is primarily intended for reverting a recent feature upgrade, not for removing a regular monthly Windows update. Windows normally keeps the previous installation available only for a limited period, after which the rollback files may be automatically removed.

Important: If you upgraded from an earlier Windows version and Go back is no longer available, you cannot use this method to return to that version through Settings. You would need to consider other recovery options or reinstall Windows.

What Happens After You Uninstall a Windows Update?

After Windows removes an update, your PC will usually restart to complete the process. Once you sign back in, check whether the problem that started after the update has been resolved.

A few things are worth knowing:

• The removed update may no longer appear as installed in Update history.
• Security fixes included in that update will also be removed, so avoid leaving an important security update uninstalled for longer than necessary.
• Your personal files and installed apps normally remain intact when you uninstall a Windows update.
• Windows may attempt to install the update again when it checks for updates, depending on the update and Microsoft’s servicing behavior.
• If the problem continues after removing the update, the update may not have been the actual cause. A driver, application, corrupted system file, or another recent change could be responsible.

If uninstalling the update fixes the problem, keep an eye on Windows Update before installing it again. You can also check Microsoft’s Windows release health information for known issues affecting your version.

How to Prevent the Problematic Update From Reinstalling

Windows 11 is designed to keep your system up to date, so simply uninstalling an update does not necessarily prevent Windows from offering it again. However, you should not permanently block security updates just because one update caused a temporary problem.

If the update is being repeatedly offered, first check whether Microsoft has released a newer update that addresses the problem. In many cases, the next cumulative update contains the fix.

For a temporary pause, you can use Windows Update’s built-in controls:

1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Use the Pause updates option.
4. Choose the available pause period.
5. Before updates resume, check whether Microsoft has released a newer version or documented a fix for the issue.

Important: Pausing updates is only a temporary measure. It does not permanently block a particular KB update, and Windows will eventually require updates to resume.

Frequently Asked Questions