How to Uninstall Windows Updates in Windows 11

Uninstalling a Windows 11 update removes a recent system patch that causes crashes, bugs, or performance drops on your computer. Microsoft pushes out these software updates regularly to patch security holes, but bad code sometimes slips through and breaks normal PC functions.

You can remove recent quality updates through the Windows Settings app ⚙️ in 5 clicks to get your system back to normal. Open the Settings app, go to Windows Update 🔃, and check your update history to start the removal process.

Method 1Use the Settings App

The Settings ⚙️ app lets you uninstall Windows updates quickly when a recent patch causes crashes or hardware problems. Press the Win+I on your keyboard to open Settings ⚙️, go to Windows Update 🔃, open your update history, and click the uninstall updates option to remove the problematic file.

The Settings ⚙️ app provides the fastest way to remove problematic updates. Press Win+I to open Settings ⚙️ directly, or click the Start button ⊞ and select Settings from the pinned apps.

1. Click the Start button ⊞ (the Windows logo) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Settings from the menu. Or press Win+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 offers a classic way to uninstall Windows updates by showing a complete list of recently installed patches on your computer. Search for Control Panel in the Start menu, open Programs and Features, click View installed updates on the left side, and choose the specific update you want to remove.

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)

The Advanced Startup menu lets you uninstall Windows updates when your computer fails to boot properly to the normal desktop. Turn your PC off and on repeatedly during startup to trigger recovery mode, navigate to the troubleshooting options, and select the option to remove the latest quality or feature update.

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 arrive twice yearly with major design overhauls, while quality updates are smaller patches tackling security bugs.

Targeting the latest quality update typically resolves erratic hardware behavior.

Summary

You can uninstall Windows updates using the Settings app, the classic Control Panel, or the Advanced Startup menu if your PC refuses to boot. Only remove patches when you know an update causes system instability, as these packages contain important security fixes for your computer.

• 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.