How to Undo a Windows Update | Reverse Windows Update Process

Microsoft updates can be inconsistent. They release Windows updates to help users keep their PC and software up to date. If you're using the latest version of Windows 11/10, these updates will automatically download onto your system unless you have disabled automatic updates.

Not every Windows update is advantageous, apart from security patches that help eliminate the risk of cyber attacks. Unwanted Windows updates can sometimes result in problems such as network issues, audio troubles, and even the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). To avoid these errors, you can undo the Windows updates. However, before delving into the best methods to rollback Windows updates, let's examine the primary reasons in detail:

• ❌Incompatibility with drivers: A Windows update might cause your PC to perform slowly. This could be due to certain applications and drivers being incompatible following the update.
• ?Audio issues: If you're experiencing audio difficulties after installing Windows updates, reverting your audio driver can be beneficial.
• ?Hardware problems: These can result in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors. Hence, it's necessary to roll back Windows updates to ensure the system runs smoothly and safely.

How to undo Windows update? Here are the top 4 methods available to assist you in reverting the Windows 11/10 update.

How to Undo or Roll Back Windows 11/10 Update [4 Ways]

Is there an issue with the latest Windows 11/10 update? If so, you should follow the methods below to undo the updates.

Method 1: Revert to Previous Versions of Windows

Here, we will provide you with two tutorials to restore your computer to an earlier date:

Use recovery settings:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app window, and click on "System" to display the system settings for your PC.

Step 2. Click on the "Recovery" category on the right side of the window to display the recovery options for Windows 11 in the right panel.

Step 3. Since restoring your PC is an essential solution for fixing a corrupted Windows 11 installation, the operating system provides a shortcut to run some troubleshooters to check if they can solve your issue.

Step 4. If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and wish to revert to the previous version of Windows, click the "Go back" button to return to the older operating system.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish rolling back the Windows update.

Use recovery mode:

If your device cannot boot into the OS and results in the issue of Reset this PC not working, it's crucial to utilize the Windows Recovery Environment to complete the rollback process. The steps are as follows:

Step 1. If your device fails to boot up three times in a row, it will automatically enter WinRE mode.

Step 2. It will display a screen showing "Preparing Automatic Repair".

Step 3. Select "Advanced Options".

When you see the screen below, the computer has entered WinRE mode:

This screen resembles the WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) mode.

Step 4. Click on "Troubleshoot".

Step 5. Choose "Advanced Options".

Step 6. Tap "Uninstall Updates".

Step 7. Choose either "Uninstall latest quality update" or "Uninstall latest feature update," depending on the type of update you last installed.

Step 8. Enter your BitLocker recovery key if prompted.

Step 9. Click on "Uninstall feature update."

Step 10. Allow the PC to complete the process and restart.

If these two tutorials helped you revert Windows, share them on social media with more readers!

Method 2: Uninstall Updates from Update History

In addition to major updates, Microsoft releases smaller updates on a daily basis. If needed, you can also choose to uninstall these common Windows updates. Here are the steps to follow to uninstall updates from the update history: 1. Press the "Windows key + I" on your keyboard to open the Settings app. 2. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security." 3. On the left pane, select "View update history." 4. Under the "Update history" section, click on "Uninstall updates." 5. A new window called "Control Panel" will open. Here, click on "Programs" and then "Programs and Features." 6. On the left side, click on "View installed updates." 7. A list of installed updates will appear. Locate the update you want to uninstall by scrolling through the list or using the search bar at the top. 8. Click once on the update to select it, then click "Uninstall" at the top of the window. 9. A confirmation prompt may appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the uninstallation. 10. Restart your computer if prompted after the uninstallation is complete. Please note that uninstalling updates might affect the stability of your system, so exercise caution when removing them.

Step 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.

Step 2. Search for "Settings," or you can press "Windows + I" on your keyboard.

Step 3. Choose "Update & Security" and then click on "Windows Update" > "Update History".

Step 4. Scroll down and choose "Uninstall Updates".

Click "Uninstall updates."

Step 5. In the window that appears, select the updates you want to uninstall and click "Uninstall."

Right-click on it and select "Uninstall" from the context menu to remove the update.

Method 3: Reset Windows to Factory Settings

If you're unable to locate an option to revert to the previous version of a Windows update or if the updates don't meet your needs, how can you undo an update? On every Windows PC, there's a hidden partition on your hard disk drive (HDD) containing a copy of the genuine Windows operating system, configurations, and drivers. Ideally, Windows 11/10 preserves this. You can utilize it to reset Windows to its original factory settings. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Go to "Update & Security" and select "Recovery."

Step 2. Click on "Get started" under "Reset this PC."

Step 3. Choose "Restore factory settings" to eliminate the possibility of issues caused by the Windows 11/10 update.

Method 4: Clean Install Windows to Revert

If you're unable to uninstall a Windows update, you can also perform a full reinstallation of Windows. To do this, prepare a Windows installation DVD/CD, connect it to your system, and boot from the disc to perform a clean install of the Windows operating system. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the installation process.

If you find any of these methods useful, please share them with your friends on social media.

Recover Lost Data After Rolling Back Windows Update

Will files be deleted after rolling back the Windows 11/10 update? If so, how to recover files after a factory reset on Windows 11? Windows states that reverting to your previous update will preserve your files but remove applications and drivers.

Users have reported that reverting to the previous Windows version resulted in the loss of saved files. Furthermore, in certain cases, you only have a 10-day window to revert to the earlier system. Within this period, you might need to reinstall Windows to access the previous setup. Consequently, during such situations, your essential data could be completely erased from your PC.

To spare you the troubles of lost data, it's crucial to employ professional data recovery software, such as Data Recovery Wizard. With this robust data retrieval tool, you can promptly recover your files following a Windows downgrade.

Using this robust recovery tool, you can effortlessly recover deleted files from most Windows versions. This software is also capable of resolving issues with missing files and restoring lost data when files go missing after a Windows 11 update. To recover lost data following a Windows update rollback, follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1. Launch the Data Recovery Wizard tool. Select the drive where you lost your files and initiate the scanning process. This software enables you to recover lost data from various devices, including HDD, SSD, USB drive, SD card, flash drive, camera, and so on.

Step 2. Browse the complete scan results. You can select the file type you need by clicking on the file type filter. The data recovery software supports over 1000 file types, including photos, videos, documents, emails, audio files, and many more.

Step 3. Select the files you wish to preview. Click "Recover" and specify a location to save the retrieved data.

Download this professional data recovery software now. If you find this passage helpful, please share it with your friends on social media.

Conclusion

If your files have disappeared after downgrading to an earlier version of Windows, you can try to recover your data using tools like Data Recovery Wizard.

"Roll Back Updates FAQs" 可以翻译为 "Frequently Asked Questions about Rolling Back Updates"。

Browse through the FAQs below to gain a better understanding of the subject matter:

< b > 1. Is it possible to undo a Windows Update?

It's possible to undo a Windows update, and to do that, you need to go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery," then scroll down and select "Go Back to the older version of Windows."

2. How do I recover lost data after downgrading Windows 11 to 10?

If you wish to revert from Windows 11 to Windows 10, it is recommended to perform a clean installation. To prevent data loss, it's crucial to back up your important files beforehand. Alternatively, you can utilize a tool like Data Recovery Wizard to recover any lost data after downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

3. How do I downgrade Windows 11 22H2 to 21H2?

Follow these steps to revert from Windows 11 22H2 to 21H2:

• Navigate to "System" > "Recovery."
• Press the "Go Back" button under the "Recovery" options section.
• Select the reason for uninstalling Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2) and click "Next" to proceed.
• When prompted to search for updates again, click "No, thanks."

< b > 4. How do you roll back Windows updates in Recovery Mode? In Recovery Mode, you can rollback Windows updates by following these steps: 1. Restart your computer and enter the Boot Menu: This usually involves pressing F2, F10, F12, or the Windows key + R to launch the Recovery Environment (RE). 2. Choose Troubleshoot: In the RE, select "Troubleshoot" to access advanced options. 3. Advanced options: Click on "Advanced options" to see more troubleshooting tools. 4. System Restore: Select "System Restore" to revert your system to a previous point before the update was installed. 5. Choose a restore point: Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point that predates the update installation. Make sure you choose wisely, as this will undo changes made since that point. 6. Confirm and proceed: Review the details of the selected restore point and confirm your choice. The system will then initiate the rollback process, which may take some time. 7. Reboot: Once the rollback is complete, your computer will restart with the previous version of Windows. Note: If System Restore isn't an option or doesn't work, you might need to use the "Reset this PC" feature or perform a clean install of the previous version of Windows. Always ensure you have important data backed up before attempting any rollback.

Follow the steps below:

• Press the "start" button.
• Open "Settings."
• Select "Update & Security."
• Choose "Recovery."
• Then, follow the on-screen instructions.