How to Uninstall the Latest Windows Update in Windows 11 & 10 (Fix Boot, BSOD & Performance Issues)

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates to keep your PC secure, fix bugs, improve stability, and introduce new features. In most cases, installing the latest update is recommended because it helps protect your computer from security threats and keeps Windows running smoothly. However, updates don’t always go as planned. Occasionally, a new update may conflict with your PC’s hardware, device drivers, or installed software, causing unexpected problems. After installing a Windows update, you might notice a black screen after signing in, Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, an endless boot loop, apps that suddenly stop working, poor performance, or even the BitLocker recovery screen appearing unexpectedly. These are real issues that some Windows 11 and Windows 10 users experience after certain updates.

If the problems started immediately after installing a recent update, uninstalling that update is often the fastest way to get your computer working normally again. And if Windows won’t boot, you can still remove the update using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In this guide, you’ll learn how to uninstall Windows updates in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 using the Settings app or Windows Recovery Environment. We’ll also show you how to remove pending update files, temporarily pause Windows Update to stop the same update from reinstalling automatically, and safely reinstall the update later when Microsoft releases a fix or your system is ready.

When Should You Uninstall a Windows Update?

Removing a Windows update should usually be your last troubleshooting step. Most updates install successfully and provide important security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. However, if your computer started experiencing problems immediately after a recent update, uninstalling it can often resolve the issue.

Consider uninstalling the latest Windows update if you experience any of the following:

• Your PC shows a black screen after startup or after signing in.
• Windows gets stuck in an endless boot loop or won’t start normally.
• You encounter frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors after the update.
• The BitLocker recovery screen appears unexpectedly after installing an update.
• Your computer becomes noticeably slower than before the update.
• Important apps or games stop working correctly.
• Hardware such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, printers, or graphics stops functioning after the update.
• Windows Update installs successfully, but the problems started immediately afterward.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t uninstall a Windows update simply because it takes longer than usual to install or because your PC feels slightly slower for the first few minutes after restarting. Windows often performs background tasks such as optimizing files, rebuilding indexes, and completing post-update maintenance, which can temporarily affect performance.

If you’re not sure whether the update is causing the problem, think back to when the issue first appeared. If everything was working normally before the update and the problem started immediately afterward, uninstalling the most recent update is a reasonable next step.

Before you uninstall a Windows update

• If possible, back up important files before making system changes.
• If Windows still boots normally, consider creating a System Restore Point so you can easily undo changes if needed.
• Note the KB number of the update you’re removing. This makes it easier to reinstall the correct update later if Microsoft releases a fix.
• Uninstalling a Windows update removes the update itself but does not delete your personal files, documents, or installed applications.

Method 1: Uninstall a Windows Update from Settings

If your computer still starts normally, the easiest way to remove a recently installed Windows update is through the Settings app. This method works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 and takes only a few minutes.

To uninstall a Windows 11 update

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select Windows Update from the left pane.
• Click Update history.

• Scroll to the bottom and select Uninstall updates.

• You’ll see a list of recently installed updates in the Control Panel window.
• Select the update you want to remove (look for the most recently installed KB update if you’re unsure).
• Click Uninstall from the toolbar.

• Confirm the prompt and wait while Windows removes the update.
• Restart your computer to complete the process.

To uninstall Windows 10 updates

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click Update & Security.
• Select Windows Update.
• Click View update history.

• Choose Uninstall updates.
• Select the update you want to remove.
• Click Uninstall, then confirm your choice.
• Restart your PC after the update has been removed.

Which Update Should You Remove?

If multiple updates were installed recently, start with the one that was installed just before the problem began. In most cases, this will be a Cumulative Update (Quality Update) identified by a KB number, such as KB50xxxxx.

If the issue started after installing a major Windows version upgrade (for example, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or moving to a new Windows 11 feature update), you may need to uninstall the Feature Update instead. We’ll cover that in the next method using the Windows Recovery Environment.

Tip: If Windows asks you to restart after uninstalling the update, save any open work before proceeding. Once your PC restarts, check whether the original problem has been resolved before trying any additional troubleshooting steps.

Method 2: Uninstall a Windows Update from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If your computer won’t boot after installing a Windows update, you can still remove the update using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This built-in recovery tool lets you uninstall the latest quality or feature update even when Windows won’t start normally.

How to Open Windows Recovery Environment

If Windows won’t boot, try one of these methods to access WinRE:

Method 1: Interrupt the boot process (recommended)

1. Turn on your PC.
2. As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the Power button until the computer shuts down.
3. Repeat this process three times.
4. On the fourth startup, Windows should automatically display “Preparing Automatic Repair,” then click Advanced Options to open the Windows Recovery Environment.

Method 2: From the sign-in screen

If you can reach the Windows sign-in screen:

1. Click the Power icon.
2. Hold the Shift key.
3. Select Restart while continuing to hold Shift.
4. Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment.

Uninstall the Latest Windows Update

Once you’re in WinRE:

1. Select Troubleshoot.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Choose Uninstall Updates.

You’ll see two options:

• Uninstall latest quality update – Removes the most recent cumulative update (monthly security or bug fix update). This is the option you should try first because most update-related problems are caused by quality updates.
• Uninstall the latest feature update – Removes a major Windows version upgrade, such as moving to a newer Windows 11 release. Choose this option only if the problem started immediately after installing a feature update.

4. Select the appropriate option.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart your computer when prompted.

Which Option Should You Choose?

In most situations, start with Uninstall latest quality update. Monthly cumulative updates are far more likely to cause compatibility issues than feature updates.

Only uninstall the latest feature update if you recently upgraded to a new version of Windows and the problems started immediately afterward.

Tip: If Windows still won’t boot after removing the update, try starting in Safe Mode or use System Restore if you previously created a restore point. If neither option resolves the issue, you may need to use Startup Repair or reset Windows while keeping your personal files.

Method 3: Delete Pending Windows Update Files

If a Windows update is stuck downloading, repeatedly fails to install, or keeps showing as Pending, uninstalling the update won’t help because it hasn’t been installed yet. Instead, you can clear the Windows Update cache by deleting the pending update files stored in the SoftwareDistribution folder.

This process doesn’t remove installed updates or delete your personal files. It simply forces Windows Update to download a fresh copy of the update the next time you check for updates.

Step 1: Stop the Windows Update Service

Before deleting the update files, you need to stop the Windows Update service.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Update.
3. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.

Step 2: Delete the Pending Update Files

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

3. Select all files and folders inside the Download folder.
4. Press Delete.
5. If prompted for administrator permission, click Continue.

Note: Only delete the contents of the Download folder. Do not delete the SoftwareDistribution folder itself.

Step 3: Restart the Windows Update Service

1. Return to the Services window.
2. Right-click Windows Update.
3. Select Start.

Step 4: Check for Updates Again

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.

Windows will download a fresh copy of any pending updates, which often resolves update download errors, installation failures, or updates that remain stuck at a certain percentage.

Tip: If deleting the SoftwareDistribution cache doesn’t resolve the issue, run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter before trying to install the update again. This can automatically detect and fix common Windows Update problems.

If Windows successfully boots after uninstalling or clearing the update, you may notice it automatically tries to reinstall the same update. The next section explains how to temporarily pause Windows Update until Microsoft releases a fix or you’re ready to reinstall it.

Method 4: Pause Windows Updates to Prevent Automatic Reinstallation

After uninstalling a problematic update, Windows Update may automatically download and install it again the next time your computer checks for updates. To avoid running into the same issue, it’s a good idea to temporarily pause Windows Update until Microsoft releases a fix or the update becomes more stable.

Pause Updates in Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update from the left pane.
3. Next to Pause updates, click the drop-down menu.
4. Choose how long you want to pause updates (for example, 1 week or longer if needed).

Pause Updates in Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Select Windows Update.
4. Click Pause updates for 7 days or choose Advanced options to select a longer pause period.

How Long Should You Pause Updates?

For most users, pausing updates for one or two weeks is enough. This gives Microsoft time to investigate reported issues and, if necessary, release a revised update or fix known bugs.

Avoid leaving Windows Update paused for an extended period. Security updates protect your PC from newly discovered vulnerabilities, so it’s best to resume updates once the problem has been resolved.

Tip: If a specific update continues to cause problems after you resume updates, you can pause updates again temporarily and wait until Microsoft publishes an improved version of the update.

How to Reinstall a Windows Update (and When You Should)

Uninstalling a Windows update is usually a temporary solution. Once Microsoft fixes the underlying issue or your system becomes compatible with the update, you should reinstall it to keep your PC secure and up to date.

When Should You Reinstall the Update?

Consider reinstalling the update when:

• Microsoft confirms that the issue has been resolved.
• A newer cumulative update replaces the problematic one.
• Your hardware drivers have been updated.
• The application causing the compatibility issue has been updated.
• Your PC is running normally, and you’re ready to install the latest security fixes.

How to Reinstall the Update

If you paused Windows Update earlier, resume updates first.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Resume updates (if updates are paused).
4. Click Check for updates.
5. Download and install the available updates.
6. Restart your computer if prompted.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Resume updates if updates are paused.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. Install the available updates and restart your PC.

What If the Same Update Keeps Failing?

If Windows continues trying to install the same update but it repeatedly fails or causes the same problem, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
• Install the latest device drivers from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
• Make sure your system drive has enough free storage space.
• Clear the Windows Update cache by deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution\Download folder.
• Wait for Microsoft to release a newer cumulative update, which often replaces the problematic one and includes additional fixes.

Tip: Unless a Windows update is actively causing problems, it’s generally recommended to keep Windows Update enabled. Regular updates include important security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements that help keep your computer protected and running reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions