Many times Microsoft rolls out Windows Updates with important bug fixes and security patches with new features. But sometimes it can create problems, such as performance degradation or data loss.
If you are also noticing performance degradation or new issues after installing the Windows update, the better way for you is to roll back the Windows Update and wait for the newer updates. Although it is recommended to keep systems updated with the latest protections, sometimes uninstalling updates is the only way to go.
Methods to Fix Issues Caused by Faulty Windows Updates
To assist you in navigating this whole process an easy walk in the park, here we discuss many different methods you can use from uninstalling the Windows quality update to the advanced features options and the safety mode of Windows. Go through the following methods to uninstall problematic Windows updates and fix your system in no time.
Enter Safe Mode
After installing the latest updates if somehow your Windows start experiencing glitching or any odd behavior, uninstalling it should be a pretty easy way. Even if your operating system is booting well but to be on the safer side you must boot the system in Safe Mode before uninstalling the update.
To get into Safe Mode,
- Click on the Start menu and click the Power button. While holding the Shift key, select Restart to show you the Windows recovery menu when your system reboots.
- If your Window is not starting, just hold the power button as the computer booting to get the recovery menu the next time you restart.
- Head to the Troubleshoot option in the Recovery menu and then choose Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Once your system restarts you will see several options, press the F5 key to boot into Safe Mode.
Uninstall Windows Quality Updates
If you remembered when your system started quirking or which updates made it, uninstalling that particular update can help you to fix the issue.
For Windows 10 users,
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select View Update History to get all the recent files installed in the system.
- Click on Uninstall Updates link given at the top.
And if you are in Windows 11,
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update History to see the list of the latest installed files.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Uninstall Updates. A new window of the Control Panel comes up showing all recent updates in the system.
- You will get a list of all recently installed updates in the Control Panel with elaborated descriptions of each patch and the installed date. If you know the date your system starts experiencing issues, these installed files can let you find which update you need to remove.
- Choose the updates in question, and click on the Uninstall Updates given above the list.
- It’ll take a moment to uninstall, once it is finished check whether your problems persist or not.
Note: Ignore the Uninstall program command in your sidebar to avoid any other problems.
Uninstall Windows Feature Updates
Microsoft typically releases Windows Feature Updates once a year. These are important updates that Microsoft tests thoroughly on several hardware configurations before they roll out for all the compatible systems. But if problems persist, you can use the Windows rollback options.
But there’s a condition. Windows only allow you to uninstall a major update within 10 days of installation. Thus, you need to act fast if the update is breaking your system.
Post 10 days, Microsoft may remove your old files to free up space on the hard drive, and you may no longer roll back Windows.
To uninstall Feature Updates,
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and drop down to go back to the Previous Version of Windows.
- Click on the Get Started button to begin your uninstallation process.
If somehow this button isn’t working and you have reached the 10 days updates or removed the old files with Disk Cleanup, you can no longer roll back to the previous Windows version. However, if you have taken a system backup, now is the right time to use it.
How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to 10
If you have recently upgraded your systems to Windows 11 but getting problems or quirkiness, Microsoft provides you 10 days to go back to the previous Windows 10 version. To do this,
- Open Settings > System > Recovery mode in the new version of Windows and click on the Go back option.
- In the next menu, you can write the reasons why you are going back to the previous version alongside offering a chance to install Windows 11 in the future with bug fixes.
- Continue to wizards until your Windows restarts and your previous Windows 10 installation returns on the system.
If the Go Back option is disabled or not working, it must be your 10 days period is over or you have already uninstalled the old files. In such cases, the only way for you is to restore the previous version through a system backup.
What If Your Computer Won’t Boot into Windows at All
After following the above instructions and even through Windows Safe Mode where Windows itself tries to automatically roll back to the previous version won’t work for you, you have only left a final option, before restoring from backup.
Hold the Windows power button for a few seconds as your computer boots to turn it off, then turn it back on.
This will let your Windows recovery options, be the same as booting into Safe Mode. You can head to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options and then choose Uninstall Updates.
After the uninstallation, the system may reboot and start working. Otherwise, you may need to reinstall Windows and start from scratch.
Let us Know If It Works for You
Now you know how to downgrade Windows Updates manually and fix the issues after a problematic Windows update. Getting familiar with these methods may come in handy whenever a new Windows Update creates any problem. Even if the methods are not working, you can use the last booting method to fix the issues and get back to the previous Windows version. But if your computer is still crashing even after uninstalling the latest Windows updates, comment down your problem in detail and we’ll try to help you with the best solution.
