HomeWinBuzzer TipsHow to Uninstall or Roll Back Any Windows 10 Update

How to Uninstall or Roll Back Any Windows 10 Update

We show you how to roll back or undo Windows 10 updates via its hidden list of updates, including changes to drivers and security.

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hasn't had the best track record when it comes to updates in recent times, rolling out several that have serious bugs or even lead to data loss. When this happens, it's recommended you roll back the update to resume normal functioning.

When it comes to feature updates, Microsoft makes this clear and easy. A simple button press in update settings is all you need to remove it. However, you may be wondering how to restore your previous version of Windows 10 when it's cumulative, a change to drivers, or a security patch. The OS doesn't make the uninstallation of these smaller patches quite as easy, but you still won't have to fiddle around in command prompt or make any registry tweaks.

First, though, it's worth noting that you shouldn't undo a Windows 10 update unless there's a serious problem with your system. If you roll back a purely for visual or feature changes you risk missing out on vital security features that could protect your computer from attackers. This tutorial is meant for those who are fixing a Windows 10 update only. With that said, let's jump into how to do it:

How To Roll Back Windows 10 Cumulative, Security, or Driver Updates

Time needed: 3 minutes

As mentioned previously, uninstalling any Windows 10 update takes a bit more work than a feature one, but you shouldn't let that hold you back. As a whole, fixing a faulty Windows 10 update is still very easy and could save you from data loss or driver incompatibilities.

  1. Open Windows 10 settings


    Press the Windows key and click on the cog on the left side-bar of the start menu to open settings.

    Windows 10 - Open Settings

  2. Enter Update & Security


    Click the Update & Security heading, symbolized by circular arrows.

    Windows 10 - Settings - open Update and Security

  3. View your update history


    The majority of your updates are hidden under the ‘View update history' menu. Click it to get a list of .

    Windows 10 - Settings - Windows Update - View update history

  4. Find your update's KB number (knowledge base code)


    You need to know the update code before you roll back a Windows 10 update. In the update history view you'll see a list of Windows 10 updates, what they're for, and when they were installed. Cross-reference this with when you started seeing issues, known issues from online searches, or relevant drivers/applications to identify which has caused the problem. Write the KB number down, in our case KB4551762 and KB4537759. Then press “Uninstall updates” at the top of the screen.

    Windows 10 - Settings - Windows Update - View update history

  5. Find and Uninstall the update


    You can now click on the relevant KB and uninstall the windows 10 update via the button in the ‘Installed Updates' window. If you can't find your update, use the search bar in the top-right corner.

    Windows 10 - Control Panel - Uninstall updates

How To Roll Back Windows 10 Feature Updates

Time needed: 1 hour

There are two different types of updates in Windows 10. Aside from traditional patches and smaller updates, Microsoft twice a year releases bigger Windows 10 feature updates that are basically new versions of Windows 10. After installing such a major Windows 10 feature update you can roll back to the previous Windows 10 version during 10 days with the following method. After that, this option won´t be available anymore until the installation of the next major Windows 10 feature update.

  1. Open Windows 10 Settings


    Open Windows 10 Settings as shown above via the Start menu or using the hotkey “Windows + I”.

    Windows 10 - Open Settings

  2. Open Update & Security

    Windows 10 - Settings - open Update and Security

  3. Start rolling back in “Recovery”


    Click “Get started” at “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10”.

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10

  4. Provide a reason for rolling back and click “Next”

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10 - 1

  5. Check for Updates or click “No, thanks”

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10 - 2

  6. Click “Next” on first warning screen

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10 - 3

  7. Click “Next” on second warning screen

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10 - 4

  8. Click “Go back to earlier build” to start rolling back feature update

    Windows 10 - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - Go back to previous version of Windows 10 - 5

Extra: How to Use System Restore in Windows 10

System Restore isn't automatically active in Windows 10. Users need to take the initiative to enable this feature, setting the stage for their system's safety net. In our other guide, we show you how to create system restore points in Windows 10 manually or automatically and how to return to a previously created restore point.
 Windows 10: How to Use System Restore and Create a Restore Point

Extra: How to Undo a System Restore in Windows

A system restore in Windows essentially takes your computer back in time to a previous state. Sometimes, a restore might lead to the loss of critical applications or fail to resolve the existing problem. In such cases, undoing a system restore becomes necessary. In our other guide, we show you how to revert a recovered system restore point on Windows itself or before booting into your system.How to Undo a System Restore in Windows 11

Last Updated on December 14, 2023 11:12 am CET by Markus Kasanmascheff

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.
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