How to Uninstall Windows Updates in Windows 11

Uninstalling a Windows update in Windows 11 lets you remove a specific software package Microsoft released for your PC. These updates are meant to fix bugs or add new features, but sometimes they can cause new problems or make your computer run poorly.

If a recent update, like one of the monthly cumulative updates, seems to be causing issues, removing it can often fix your PC. You might notice strange errors or slow performance after an update is installed.

Fortunately, Windows 11 makes it simple to see which updates you have and remove them if needed. This guide shows you how to safely uninstall problematic updates to get your system working right again.

Method 1Use ⚙️ the Settings App

If a recent update is causing problems on your PC, you can uninstall it through the ⚙️ Settings app. This is an effective way to find and remove updates that might be making your computer run slowly or act strangely. ⚙️ Open Settings, navigate to the correct section, and you can remove the troublesome update.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button (the Windows logo) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Settings from the menu. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to ⚙️ open Settings quickly.
3. In Settings, click 🔃 Windows Update on the left side.
4. On the right, click Update history.
5. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates under Related settings.
6. You’ll see a list of recent updates. Find the one you want to remove, click it, then click the Uninstall button.
7. Follow the instructions and 🔄 restart your computer if asked.

Open ⚙️ the Settings app from the ⊞ Start menu.

Then, click 🔃 Windows Update in ⚙️ the Settings app.

Click Update history to see your installed updates.

Click Uninstall updates to reveal the list of removable updates.

Select an update and click Uninstall.

Method 2Use the 🎛️ Control Panel

The 🎛️ Control Panel displays a full list of installed Windows updates, offering another method to uninstall them. This approach allows you to pick specific Windows updates you believe are causing issues and remove those updates. This 🎛️ Control Panel option is a practical choice if you are accustomed to managing programs and updates through the Control Panel.

1. Open 🎛️ Control Panel. You can search for it in the ⊞ Start menu.
2. Go to Programs, then click Programs and Features.
3. On the left side, click View installed updates.
4. You will see a list of updates. Select the one you want to remove, then click Uninstall at the top.
5. Follow the instructions and 🔄 restart your PC if needed.

View installed updates in the 🎛️ Control Panel.

Method 3Use Advanced Startup (If You Can’t Log In)

If your computer won’t start up properly, you can uninstall Windows updates using the Advanced Startup menu. This method is essential when you cannot log into Windows normally. It provides access to tools that allow you to remove updates preventing your PC from booting correctly.

If Windows won’t start properly, you can uninstall updates from the Advanced Startup menu.

1. Turn off your PC completely.
2. Turn it back on and as soon as Windows starts loading, press and hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this 2-3 times until you see the Advanced Startup screen. (You can also use a Windows recovery USB or follow this guide: How to Boot to Advanced Startup in Windows 11.)
3. On the Advanced Startup screen, click Troubleshoot.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Select Uninstall Updates.
6. Choose either Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update, depending on the update you want to remove.
7. Follow the instructions and 🔄 restart your PC.

Advanced Startup menu – Troubleshoot option.

Advanced options menu.

Select Uninstall Updates.

Choose which update to uninstall.

What are Quality and Feature Updates?

Feature updates are the larger ones that arrive about twice a year, bringing new features and major improvements.

Quality updates are smaller, more frequent updates focused on fixing bugs and security issues.

Often, removing the latest quality update will solve your problems.

Summary

You can uninstall Windows updates using ⚙️ the Settings app, the 🎛️ Control Panel, or Advanced Startup if your PC won’t boot. Only uninstall an update if you’re sure it’s causing a problem, as they often include important security fixes. It’s also a good idea to back up your system before removing any updates.

• You can uninstall Windows updates using ⚙️ the Settings app, 🎛️ Control Panel, or Advanced Startup menu.
• Be careful when uninstalling updates. It’s best to only do this if you’re sure the update is causing trouble.
• If you’re unsure, ask someone experienced or a professional for help.
• Keep your computer backed up to avoid losing important files if something goes wrong.
• Following these steps will help you fix update problems and get your Windows 11 PC working properly again.