How to Roll Back a Windows 11 Feature Update (26H2 to 25H2)

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 as an enablement package for PCs running Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2. Because these versions share the same servicing branch, 26H2 can be enabled with a relatively small update rather than a traditional full Windows upgrade. If you upgraded from Windows 11 25H2 to 26H2 through Windows Update and want to return to 25H2, you can uninstall the 26H2 enablement package through Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. This is different from the traditional Go back recovery option used after a full Windows feature upgrade.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to uninstall Windows 11 26H2 and return to Windows 11 25H2, what to do if the uninstall option is unavailable, and which rollback method applies to your installation.

Before You Roll Back Windows 11 26H2

Before uninstalling 26H2:

• Back up important files.
• Save your work and close open applications.
• Connect your laptop to AC power.
• Make sure you know your Windows account password.
• Don’t manually delete Windows Update or recovery files.
• If possible, create a restore point before making additional changes.

The uninstall process should not remove your personal files, but having a backup is recommended.

Method 1: Uninstall the Windows 11 26H2 Enablement Package

If you upgraded from Windows 11 25H2 to 26H2 through Windows Update, this should be the first method to try.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Update history.
4. Scroll down and select Uninstall updates.
5. Look for the Windows 11 26H2 enablement update. It may appear as Feature Enablement for Windows (Ge) – KB5121794.
6. Select Uninstall.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Restart your PC when prompted.

After Windows restarts, press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.

Your system should show Windows 11 version 25H2 if the rollback was successful.

Important: The exact update name or KB number can change depending on Microsoft’s servicing implementation. Do not uninstall unrelated cumulative updates simply because they were installed around the same time as 26H2.

Why Can 26H2 Be Uninstalled This Way?

Windows 11 26H2 uses an enablement package (eKB). Microsoft says Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share a common servicing branch, with the enablement package activating the version-specific functionality.

That means a PC that moved from 25H2 to 26H2 through this package doesn’t necessarily need to restore an entire previous Windows installation.

Instead, removing the enablement package can deactivate the 26H2 version and return the device to the previous supported version.

Method 2: Use Windows Recovery if You Don’t See the Enablement Package

The uninstall method above applies specifically to systems where 26H2 was installed through the enablement package.

If you installed 26H2 using an ISO, Installation Assistant, or another upgrade method, Windows may use the traditional recovery mechanism instead.

To check:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Look for Go back under Recovery options.
4. If available, select Go back.

• Windows will ask why you want to go back. Select the option that best describes your issue and click Next.

• You may be prompted to check for updates instead. Click No, thanks to continue with the rollback.
• Read the information shown on the screen, then click Next.
• If prompted, enter your previous Windows password after the rollback.
• Finally, click Go back to earlier build (or Go back to previous version) to begin the process.

Your PC will restart several times while Windows restores the previous version. Depending on your computer’s hardware, the rollback process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes.

This method depends on Windows retaining the files required to restore the previous installation.

Note: Don’t assume that the Go back option will be available simply because you installed 26H2 recently. The available recovery options depend on how 26H2 was installed and whether the required rollback files are still present.

What If You Installed 26H2 From an ISO?

The rollback process depends on how Windows 11 26H2 was installed.

If you upgraded from 25H2 using an ISO or Installation Assistant, check:

Settings > System > Recovery > Go back

If Windows retained the previous installation files, you may be able to return to 25H2 without performing a clean installation.

If those recovery files are no longer available, you may need to reinstall Windows 11 25H2 using supported installation media.

What If You Performed a Clean Installation of 26H2?

A clean installation is different.

If you completely replaced the previous Windows installation with Windows 11 26H2, there is typically no previous Windows installation to restore.

In that situation, you cannot simply uninstall 26H2 to return to 25H2.

You would need to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 25H2 using compatible installation media, assuming that version and the required media are still available to you.

Back up your files first, because a clean installation can remove applications, settings, and data from the Windows installation drive.

Will Rolling Back to 25H2 Delete My Files?

Uninstalling the 26H2 enablement package through Windows Update is not the same as performing a clean installation. Your personal files should remain in place.

However, it is still a good idea to back up important documents before changing the Windows version.

If you use the Go back recovery option, Windows may also restore some previous drivers, settings, and system components. Applications or settings changed after upgrading may need attention afterward.

What Happens to Windows Updates After Returning to 25H2?

After successfully returning to 25H2, Windows should continue receiving the normal updates applicable to Windows 11 25H2.

However, uninstalling 26H2 does not mean that Windows Update will permanently prevent the device from being offered the version again.

If Microsoft continues to offer 26H2 for your device, you may eventually see it again through Windows Update.

Should You Roll Back Windows 11 26H2?

If 26H2 introduced a specific compatibility problem on your PC, rolling back can help you return to the previous Windows version while you troubleshoot the issue.

Before doing so, check Windows Update for newer updates and Microsoft’s Windows release health information for known issues affecting your hardware or software.

If the problem is caused by a driver, application, or configuration change rather than 26H2 itself, fixing that underlying issue may be preferable to staying on the older version.

Frequently Asked Questions