Rolling back a Windows update can be a real lifesaver if your latest system update messes things up — slow performance, weird bugs, or just total instability. Sometimes, Windows updates are helpful, but other times they introduce bugs that weren’t there before. The goal here is to revert things back to the last good version without losing your personal files, which is usually pretty straightforward. Just keep in mind, some updates—especially major feature updates—have a limited window for rollback, typically around 10 days. Also, on some setups, you might find that the rollback options are greyed out unless you’ve cleared your update history or run certain commands. So, knowing the ins and outs helps avoid frustration.
How to Roll Back Windows Update
Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Uninstall Updates
This method works well when you notice issues soon after an update, or if your system still displays the uninstall option. It helps you go back to a previous state without resetting everything. Usually, it’s enough to fix weird bugs or performance drops caused by recent updates.
WHY it helps: It undoes specific updates that broke things, which is faster than doing a full system restore.WHEN it applies: If Windows started acting weird after installing an update, especially after a recent one.WHAT to expect: System will revert to the previous version, hopefully fixing the issues. Sometimes, you might need to restart a couple of times.
Open Settings and Find the Uninstall Option
- Hit the Windows key and click the gear icon or press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on View update history.
- Scroll down and select Uninstall updates. This takes you offline to a control panel-like interface — just like old-school Control Panel stuff.
Pick the Update and Uninstall It
- Find the recent update causing trouble. It’s usually listed by KB number (like KB5021234).
- Select it, then click on Uninstall. Confirm any prompts — Windows might ask for admin rights here.
- Be prepared for a restart or two. The system should revert to the previous working version after this.
Note: On some systems, the uninstall option might not be available in Settings if updates are managed differently or if it’s a major feature update (like switching from 22H2 to 21H2).In those cases, you might need to use command-line tools or System Restore. Yeah, of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Method 2: Use Advanced Startup and System Restore
This method kicks in if the simple uninstall isn’t available or doesn’t fix the issues. It’s a bit more involved but often the only way for big updates.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfigand hit Enter, then go to the Boot tab and select Advanced startup, or simply reboot and choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore from the menu. - Pick a restore point from before the update was installed. If you don’t have one, consider creating a full backup beforehand next time.
- Follow the prompts, restart, and hope for the best. This resets your system to an earlier state, erasing recent system changes—including the troublesome update.
This isn’t perfect, especially if no restore points are available, but it’s worth a shot. Many users find that it’s the only thing that gets their system stable again.
Tips for Rolling Back Windows Update
- Always make a system restore point before you start fiddling with updates. Windows can be unpredictable, and it’s good to have an easy fallback.
- Double-check if the update is actually critical for security or compatibility. Sometimes, delaying or hiding updates is better if you aren’t in a hurry.
- Keep your drivers up to date — sometimes poor driver updates cause the same symptoms you’re trying to fix.
- If you successfully roll back, consider disabling automatic updates temporarily until a newer, more stable build comes out.
- Search online about the specific KB number. Sometimes, the update has known bugs, and there are workarounds or patches available without a full rollback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roll back any Windows update?
Most updates can be rolled back, especially from the last 10 days or so. Major feature upgrades might be trickier. Also, some security updates are mandatory, and you might not get the option to uninstall them if they’re critical.
How long do I have to roll back a Windows feature update?
Usually, 10 days from installation, after which Windows removes the rollback option automatically. Cumulative updates or patches don’t usually have this limit, but still—best to do it sooner rather than later.
Will rolling back delete my files?
Nope, your personal files stay intact. But it’s always a good idea to back up just in case, especially if you’re doing more invasive fixes like System Restore or resetting.
What if the rollback doesn’t work?
If things fail, you can try to use System Restore or a Windows recovery drive. Sometimes, the update is just too embedded to remove cleanly, and that’s when more advanced troubleshooting is needed.
Do I need admin rights to uninstall updates?
Absolutely. You need to be logged in as an administrator, or you’ll get stuck. Make sure you have the proper permissions before jumping into these fixes.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click View update history.
- Select Uninstall updates.
- Pick the update you want gone, and uninstall it.
Wrap-up
This whole process can be a bit frustrating — Windows doesn’t always make it obvious or easy to undo updates. But, if a recent update is causing chaos, rolling back can get your system back to a more stable state without losing your files. Just remember to keep backups and try to research the specific update bugs before rolling back; sometimes, a quick workaround or fix is available online. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone or at least gets your system back on track. Fingers crossed this helps.