How to Uninstall a Windows 11 Update: Easy, Proven Fixes When an Update Breaks Your PC

If a Windows update just broke your Wi-Fi, your favorite game, or your whole boot process, you can usually uninstall the Windows 11 update in about five minutes. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, pick the update, and click Uninstall. If Windows won’t load at all, the same option is waiting for you in the recovery menu.

We’ve seen plenty of rough updates this year, from the January update that sent PCs into boot loops to the KB5077181 black screen headache. This guide follows Microsoft’s official uninstall instructions and covers every reliable option, from the easy Settings method to the command line.

Quick answer: Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates > pick the update > Uninstall. If the PC won’t boot, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates in the recovery menu.

Before you start: Microsoft doesn’t recommend removing updates unless you really have to, and some updates can’t be removed at all, according to its Windows Update FAQ. Uninstalling a security update reopens the holes it patched, so treat this as a temporary fix. Reinstall once Microsoft ships a repair.

Which fix do you need?

Step 1: Find the update that caused the problem

Before you remove anything, figure out which update is the likely culprit.

1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Under More options, select Update history.
3. Write down the KB number and install date of the newest quality update.

If your problems started right after that date, you’ve probably found your suspect. Search the KB number on MSFT News Now, too. When Microsoft confirms a bug, like the update that broke File History backups, our coverage usually explains the official fix.

How to uninstall a Windows 11 update from Settings

This is the easiest method, and it works whenever Windows still boots.

1. In Update history, scroll to Related settings and select Uninstall updates.
2. Find the update you want to remove and select Uninstall.
3. Confirm, then restart your PC when Windows asks you to.

After the restart, the update should be gone from the Uninstall updates list. Check whether your problem is fixed before moving on.

Uninstall an update when Windows won’t start

When an update keeps your PC from reaching the desktop, you can remove it from the Windows Recovery Environment instead. If your PC is encrypted with BitLocker, have your recovery key ready before you start.

1. Get into the recovery menu. Windows usually opens Automatic Repair on its own after it fails to start a few times. To force it, turn the PC on and hold the power button as soon as the logo appears. Do that twice, then let it boot the third time (Microsoft’s recovery guide has the full details).
2. Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
3. Choose Uninstall latest quality update if the problem started after a monthly update. Choose Uninstall latest feature update if it started after a version upgrade.
4. Sign in with an administrator account if asked, then confirm.

Rather work from a desktop? You can also start Windows 11 in Safe Mode and use the Settings method from there.

Remove a stubborn update with DISM

This is the advanced option, and you’ll need administrator rights. Use it only when the Settings and recovery methods don’t work.

1. Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin).
2. List the installed update packages:

DISM /online /get-packages

3. Look for the cumulative update package. Copy the full package name exactly.

4. Remove it, replacing the placeholder with the name you copied:

DISM /online /remove-package /packagename:<PackageName>

5. Restart when DISM finishes.

Why not use the old wusa /uninstall command? Microsoft bundles the servicing stack update with the monthly cumulative update. Its update release notes say wusa won’t work on that combined package. The servicing stack piece can’t be removed at all. DISM is the supported way to pull out just the cumulative update.

Roll back a feature update like 26H2

Version upgrades work differently from monthly patches. If you recently moved to a new version, you may be able to go back.

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Look for the option to go back to your previous version of Windows and follow the prompts.

This option only sticks around for a limited time after the upgrade. Still deciding whether the new version is worth it? Here’s how to get Windows 11 version 26H2 and why 26H2 might not be showing up on your PC.

Stop the update from reinstalling: pause updates

Once you remove a bad update, Windows will try to install it again. Pausing buys you time until Microsoft ships a fix.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Pick a date on the Pause updates control.
3. Choose an end date up to 35 days away.

Keep in mind that a pause is temporary. When it ends, Windows checks for updates again and installs the latest ones (Microsoft Support). If your PC is on an older build, you might see fixed pause lengths instead of the calendar. Also make sure you set Active Hours in Windows 11 so a surprise restart doesn’t wipe out your work.

Troubleshooting update removal problems

There’s no Uninstall button next to the update. Some updates, like servicing stack updates, can’t be removed. Try Uninstall latest quality update from the recovery menu, then the DISM method.

The uninstall fails or rolls itself back. Restart into Safe Mode and try again from Settings. Our guide shows how to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode four different ways.

The real problem is a driver. If only one device acts up, like your display or Wi-Fi, roll back that driver in Device Manager. Microsoft is also rolling out cloud-initiated driver recovery to automatically fix bad drivers.

The update is gone, but your PC is still slow or crashing. The update may not have been the problem. A startup app could be the real troublemaker, so try a clean boot from our guide to disable startup apps in Windows 11.

Nothing worked. In the recovery menu, try System Restore, Point-in-time restore (Windows 11 version 24H2 or later), or Reset this PC with Keep my files, in that order. Point-in-time restore rolls back apps, settings, and personal files to the restore point, so back up anything newer first (Microsoft recovery options).

Uninstall Windows 11 update FAQ

Is it safe to uninstall a Windows 11 security update?

It’s safe for your files, but it leaves your PC exposed to the security holes that update fixed. Remove it only to get past a serious problem, and reinstall once a fix arrives.

Will uninstalling an update delete my files?

No. Removing a quality update from Settings or the recovery menu doesn’t touch your personal files.

How long can I pause Windows 11 updates?

With the current calendar control, you can pause for up to 35 days from today and extend the pause later, as long as the new end date is within 35 days.

Why does the uninstalled update keep coming back?

Windows Update reinstalls it automatically. Pause updates right after you uninstall it so it stays off until Microsoft ships a fix.: Used with permission from Microsoft.