Rolling back a Windows update might seem kinda scary at first, but honestly, it’s a pretty straightforward process — especially if your latest update is causing weird bugs, crashes, or just slowing things down. Sometimes Windows pushes out updates that aren’t polished or mess with certain hardware drivers, and if a new version totally breaks your setup, getting back to an older state can be a lifesaver. The key is navigating through the Settings menu, checking your update history, and uninstalling the problematic update. It’s not rocket science, but yeah, Windows likes to make it a little harder than it needs to be, which is why sometimes a step-by-step guide is necessary.
How to Rollback Windows Update
Method 1: Use the Settings App to uninstall recent updates
This method works best if you’re experiencing issues right after a recent update. Rolling back can fix weird glitches or driver conflicts. Expect that after the uninstall, your PC will be back to how it was before the update, hopefully with fewer bugs or crashes. On some setups, the rollback might not work on the first try — it’s weird, but on one machine it took a reboot, then it suddenly worked. So, don’t give up if it seems stuck.
First, open Settings. You can do this quickly by hitting Windows key + I. Once in Settings, go to Update & Security. It’s usually the last section, packed with all update-related options. From there, click on View update history.
- In View update history, scroll to the bottom and click Uninstall updates. This will open a Control Panel window listing all recent updates you can remove. Trust me, this step is where the magic happens.
Now, pick the latest update from the list. It might be listed by its KB number (like KB5001234).Select it, then click Uninstall. When prompted, confirm that you want to remove it. The process might take a few minutes, so patience is key. Once it’s done, your system should restart itself and roll back to the previous version.
Keep in mind, sometimes Windows might not display the update you want to uninstall right away, especially if it’s a major update that fetches multiple components. In those cases, you might need to use an alternative method like system restore or advanced recovery options.
Method 2: Using the Recovery Options to go back to a previous version
If uninstalling updates through Settings doesn’t do the trick, you can try reverting via Windows Recovery. Head into Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. There, look for the option titled Go back to the previous version of Windows 10/11. This is handy if the update was pushed within the last 10 days (or so).Expect a few screens where Windows asks why you’re doing it — just pick the reason that best matches your frustration.
- Follow the prompts, and your PC will roll back to the version before the last major update. The trick is, this option is only available for a limited window after updates, so act fast.
Note: This method might remove some recent apps or drivers installed after the update, so check if everything still works fine after. And, of course, don’t forget that major updates might take longer to roll back if you have a lot of data or if your system is slow.
Tips for Rolling Back Windows Update
- Always, always, make sure your critical data is backed up before jumping into uninstalling things. Better safe than sorry, especially if something goes sideways.
- Check the update details or release notes — sometimes Microsoft admits to known issues with certain updates. If you see that, maybe wait a bit before trying to uninstall.
- Keep an eye on your system after rolling back — see if the bugs disappear or if other weirdness pops up.
- If you’re stuck, consider booting into Safe Mode, which can simplify uninstalling stubborn updates.
- And for the love of all things tech, make sure your system restore points are up-to-date — they’re your backup plan if things go south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I roll back a Windows update?
Basically, your PC gets restored to its previous state before the update installed. It rolls back system files, but doesn’t delete your personal files. Sometimes it might remove certain apps if they depended on the update.
Can I stop Windows from updating automatically?
You can pause updates temporarily — say, for 7 or 35 days — but there’s no permanent “stop forever” toggle built into Windows (unless you go through some system tweaks).
Will rolling back delete my files?
Nope, it shouldn’t touch your personal data. It’s mainly system files and updates that get reverted. But always, always keep regular backups just in case.
How long does it take to roll back an update?
Usually just a few minutes, but it really depends on your PC. Faster SSDs tend to be quicker, whereas older machines might take longer — sometimes over 15 minutes if it’s a big update.
What if rolling back doesn’t fix the problem?
If the issue persists, consider trying a system restore to an earlier point or, as a last resort, resetting Windows. Sometimes, deep-seated bugs need more than just uninstalling updates.
Summary
- Open Settings and go to Update & Security
- Check out View update history and select Uninstall updates
- Pick the latest troublesome update and uninstall it
- If needed, use Recovery options to revert to an earlier build
- Backup before making big changes — always be cautious
Wrap-up
Uninstalling the latest Windows update can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. It’s not fun having to do it, but with these steps, it usually doesn’t turn into a big mess. Just remember to back up, check if the update is known to cause issues, and go slow. On some setups, this process works great on the first try, and on others, you might have to reboot or try a few things. Hopefully, this saves someone a ton of frustration — at least until the next update rolls out.