How to Uninstall a Problematic Windows Update
Revert Windows to its previous state, and the pause step most guides skip.
A recent update has brought more problems than fixes — a bug, something that stopped working, worse performance. It can be uninstalled, returning your Windows to its previous state.
How to uninstall it
- Settings → Windows Update → "Update history".
- "Uninstall updates".
- Find the most recent one in the list (sorted by date) → "Uninstall".
Tip: if you're not sure which one is causing the problem, start with the most recent — it's the most likely culprit if the problem appeared suddenly.
The step almost no one mentions: pausing
Important: if you just uninstall it and nothing else, Windows may download and install it again automatically shortly after, leaving you exactly where you started. After uninstalling it, go to Windows Update → "Pause updates" and choose a few days — enough margin to confirm the problem went away, or to wait for Microsoft to release a fix.
If it doesn't show up in the history
Some very recent updates take a while to be listed individually. Alternative: Control Panel → Programs → "View installed updates" — a more classic view that sometimes shows updates the new history doesn't yet reflect.
After uninstalling: confirm the improvement
Use the machine normally for a few days before deciding whether the problem genuinely came from that update — some problems have other causes that coincide by chance with the update's timing.
Note: uninstalling a security update leaves you without that specific protection until you install the next one. It is not a permanent fix — it is a temporary step while you wait for a correction or investigate further.
Frequently asked questions
Does the update I just removed reinstall itself?
Yes, unless you also pause it from Windows Update → Pause updates. Uninstalling without pausing usually results in Windows installing it again automatically shortly after.
Do I lose my files when uninstalling an update?
No, uninstalling an update doesn't affect your documents, photos or personal files — it only reverts the changes that specific update made to the system.
How long can I leave updates paused?
Windows lets you pause them for up to 5 weeks at a time. After that, you'll need to check for updates again, at which point you can check whether a fixed version already exists.