Fix the "Windows 11 Update Failed / Undoing Changes" Error

If you're getting the 'Can't complete update/Undoing changes' error on your Windows PC, here's how you can fix it using various methods. The error is caused due to corrupted system files or insufficient storage space on the system drive. You can fix all these issues by using various tools, including Partition Master, to increase storage space.

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"The update can't be finished, rolling back changes" is typically an error message you might encounter in various software or operating systems. This could happen due to several reasons, including but not limited to: 1. **System Conflict**: The update might be conflicting with another program or service, preventing it from completing normally. 2. **Corrupted Files**: System files might be damaged or missing, hindering the update process. 3. **Network Issues**: If new files need to be downloaded for the update, a problematic network connection could interrupt this. 4. **Insufficient Disk Space**: The system might not have enough storage space to complete the update. 5. **Incompatible Software Version**: The version of the software you're trying to update might not be compatible with your device or OS. 6. **Permission Issues**: You might not have sufficient permissions to execute the update. To fix this, try these steps: - Check your network connection and ensure it's stable. - Confirm that you have enough disk space for the update. - Run the update program with administrator privileges. - Attempt the update in Safe Mode. - If it's a software issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. - If none of these work, you might need to contact the software developer or technical support for further assistance.

If you're getting the "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes" error on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, you've come to the right place. Today, you'll find seven effective methods that will fix your issue instantly. The question is, why do Windows users encounter this problem? The answer is simple – it usually happens due to a failed Windows update installation or issues that occur during the first restart after installing updates.

This error can occur due to several reasons, such as insufficient disk space, interrupted updates during installation, or corrupted files. It can be quite frustrating, and most users are at a loss on how to resolve it. Here, you'll find some of the best methods, so apply these techniques immediately to fix your "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes" issue.

1. Perform a system restore

System Restore is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to revert your system back to an earlier state without affecting your data and files. If you created a System Restore point before the problem occurred, you can restore your system easily by following the steps below.

Note: If you can't start your computer, use the advanced startup options instead. If you can start your computer, search for System Restore in the Start menu, and then run the wizard.

Unable to log in to your account.

Step 1: Boot your PC using a Windows installation media or a bootable USB drive. When you see the Windows Recovery Environment, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Step 2: Click on "System Restore" from the Advanced Options menu. You will be prompted for your recovery key; click "Skip drive" or enter your account password. In the new window that appears, click "Next."

Step 3: If there is a list of restore points (including automatic and any you created yourself), select the one you want to restore, then click Next.

4. Select a restore point, then click "Finish" to confirm. Your computer will restart and be returned to its previous, working state.

You can access your account.

Step 1: Click the Start menu, type "System Restore," and click "Restore" when it appears in the list.

Step 2: Click the "Open System Restore" link. It will then ask you if you want to use a recommended restore point or choose a different restore point.

Step 3: Make the right choice, and get the computer working again.

2. Solve the problem by initiating a repair.

"Startup Repair" is another useful Windows diagnostic troubleshooting tool that can help you fix your Windows operating system when you can't log in. In most cases, you can use this method to resolve issues with corrupted or missing system files.

A corrupted system file can cause the error, "We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes." To resolve this, you can run a Startup Repair following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app (Win + I), go to the System section, and choose the Recovery tab. Click on the Restart now button under Advanced startup.

Step 2: Here, you'll see two options: Troubleshoot and Restart. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options. This will show you more options to help fix most Windows issues.

Step 3: In the “Advanced Options” menu, select “Startup Repair.” It will automatically scan and fix your computer. This can take a while, as it has to scan through many files. Let it run its course without trying to restart your computer in the meantime.

After the restart, check if the issue persists on your computer.

3. Run the System File Checker

A System File Checker scan is another effective method many users employ to scan and fix corrupted system files. This tool can be quite helpful when dealing with Windows update errors. Follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Press Win + X to open the Power menu. Then choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”

Step 2: Type the sfc /scanow command and press Enter.

Step 3: The tool will then scan your computer and look for corrupted files. Once these files are found, they will be replaced with new ones from the Windows repository.

This process might take some time to complete. When the System File Checker scan is finished, check for updates to Windows.

4. Use the Partition Master tool to expand the C drive

One of the main causes for this error is insufficient storage space on the system drive. While you can easily extend other partitions on your computer, it's quite difficult to increase or expand the C drive. This is where you'll need assistance from a Partition Master tool.

This is a highly recommended third-party tool that aids in managing disk partitions and effortlessly optimizing hard drive performance. It comes equipped with a "Resize/Move" feature, allowing users to adjust partitions to utilize more space efficiently.

Option 1: Extend System C Drive using Unallocated Space

1. Right-click on the System C drive and select "Resize/Move Partition". 2. Drag the endpoint of the system partition to the unallocated space, adding it to the C drive. Then click "OK". 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operation and extend the C drive.

Option 2: Extend System C drive without unallocated space

1. Right-click on a large partition with enough space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. In the "Allocate space from (*) to" section, select the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive to the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Perform Tasks," which will list the pending operations. Then click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the system drive using unallocated space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the system drive without unallocated space.

All in all, it's a reliable tool that bundles many useful features, such as merging, cloning, formatting, and copying partitions, migrating the OS to an SSD, converting MBR to GPT or vice-versa, partition recovery, creating a WinPE bootable disk, and so much more.

5. Disable Automatic Windows Updates

Another approach you could try to resolve this issue is by disabling automatic Windows updates. Having control over when Windows updates occur allows you to manage it better.

Please follow these steps strictly.

Step 1: Press the Win+R keys to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services management console. Locate the Windows Update service in the list, and double-click it to open its Properties.

Step 2: Set the Startup type to Disabled, and then click Stop under Service status to stop the service.

Step 3: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to make the change. Restart your system and see if the error has been resolved.

6. Enable App Readiness Service

App Readiness is crucial for running Windows updates. It's useful not just when first setting up an app or when a user logs in for the first time, but also when getting a device ready for an update.

Enabling this feature has worked for many people. So, try turning on App Readiness by following these steps:

Step 1: Press the Win+R keys to open the “Run” box, type services.msc, and then press Enter.

Step 2: Go to the Application Prep service and double-click Properties.

Step 3: Then, set the "Startup type" to "Automatic," and click "Start" to enable the service.

Step 4. Click OK to apply the changes, and then reboot the system to check if the issue persists.

7. Reset this PC

If none of the above solutions work for you, try the last resort. Resetting your PC can help you resolve serious issues with the operating system. To do this, you'll need to access the Advanced Startup screen and follow the steps outlined properly.

Step 1: Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Step 2: Here, you'll see two options. If you select "Remove everything," you can choose "Keep my files" to remove apps and settings but keep all personal files. This will remove only your apps and settings.

Step 3: You will need to reset your Windows computer, then download and install the updates.

Conclusions

We hope you now have a clear understanding of the 7 ways to fix the 'We couldn't complete the updates/Undoing changes' error. Now, follow the precise steps we've provided to resolve your issue. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section.