How to Uninstall Windows 11 Update: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you recently installed a Windows 11 update that caused system issues, slow performance, or software incompatibility? Don’t worry — it’s completely possible to uninstall a Windows 11 update and roll back your system to its previous, stable version.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you multiple ways to uninstall Windows 11 updates — whether it’s a minor cumulative update or a major feature upgrade — so you can fix errors and regain control of your PC.

Table of Contents

🧠 What Happens When You Uninstall a Windows Update?

When you uninstall an update, Windows removes recently installed patches, drivers, or features that might be causing instability. This can:

Fix blue screen (BSOD) or crash issues.
Restore missing or broken apps.
Improve system performance.
Reverse compatibility problems.

However, uninstalling an update doesn’t delete your personal files or data — only system-level changes.

🔍 Types of Windows 11 Updates

Understanding the kind of update you’re removing helps you choose the right method:

Type	Description	Can Be Uninstalled?
Quality (Cumulative) Update	Monthly security and performance fixes	✅ Yes
Driver Update	Hardware driver updates via Windows Update	✅ Yes
Feature Update	Major annual version (e.g., 23H2)	✅ Yes, within 10 days
Security Update	Critical system patch	✅ Yes
Preview/Beta Update	Optional early release updates	✅ Yes

⚙️ Step 1: Check Your Update History

Before removing any update, identify the one causing problems.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Windows Update > Update history.
Scroll through the list of installed updates.
Note down the KB number (e.g., KB5032190).

This helps you uninstall the exact update responsible for the issue.

🧾 Step 2: Uninstall Windows Update via Settings

This is the easiest and safest method.

Open Settings (Windows + I).
Click Windows Update in the sidebar.
Scroll down and select Update history.
Under Related settings, click Uninstall updates.
A Control Panel window will appear showing all installed updates.
Right-click the update you want to remove → click Uninstall → confirm.

Wait for the process to finish, then restart your PC.

🖥️ Step 3: Uninstall Updates via Control Panel (Alternative)

If Settings doesn’t open properly, you can do it directly through Control Panel.

Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
In the left panel, click View installed updates.
Select the unwanted update → click Uninstall at the top.
Follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.

🧑‍💻 Step 4: Use Command Prompt to Remove an Update

For advanced users, Command Prompt gives more control.

Type cmd in the search bar → right-click → Run as administrator.
To list all installed updates, enter:
```
wmic qfe list brief /format:table
```
Note the HotFixID (e.g., KB5030211) of the update you want to remove.
Run this command to uninstall it:
```
wusa /uninstall /kb:5030211
```
(Replace 5030211 with your actual KB number.)
Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

🔄 Step 5: Roll Back a Major Feature Update (Version Upgrade)

If you recently upgraded from one Windows version to another (like 22H2 → 23H2) and want to go back, follow these steps:

Open Settings (Windows + I).
Go to System > Recovery.
Under Recovery options, find Go back.
Click Go back, then choose a reason and continue.
Follow the prompts to revert to your previous Windows version.

🕒 Note: You can only roll back within 10 days of installing a major update. After that, Windows deletes the old files.

💡 Step 6: Use System Restore (If Uninstall Fails)

If uninstalling via Settings or Command Prompt doesn’t work, use a System Restore point.

Type “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
Click System Restore.
Choose a restore point from before the problematic update.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Your PC will restart and roll back to the previous state.

🧰 Step 7: Uninstall Update from Safe Mode

If your system won’t boot properly after an update, you can uninstall it from Safe Mode.

Turn off your PC.
Turn it on and press F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
Once there, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
Remove the update as shown earlier.

🧱 Step 8: Use Advanced Startup to Uninstall from Recovery Environment

If Windows won’t boot at all:

Turn on your PC and interrupt the startup three times (press and hold power).
This will trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates.
Choose Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update.
Follow prompts to complete the rollback.

⚠️ Step 9: Pause or Disable Automatic Updates (Optional)

If you want to prevent the same update from reinstalling automatically:

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Click Pause updates for 1 week or select a longer duration.
For permanent control, use Group Policy Editor:
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update
- Double-click Configure Automatic Updates → set to Disabled → Apply.

🧮 Comparison Table: Uninstallation Methods

Method	Best For	Difficulty	Requires Boot?
Settings app	General users	Easy	No
Control Panel	Legacy method	Easy	No
Command Prompt (wusa)	Advanced users	Medium	No
System Restore	System errors	Medium	Yes
Safe Mode	Startup issues	Hard	Yes
Recovery Environment	Non-booting systems	Hard	Yes

🧠 Summary: Key Takeaways

Action	Purpose
Check Update History	Identify problematic updates
Use Settings or Control Panel	Safest uninstall method
Use Command Prompt	Direct removal via KB number
Roll Back Feature Updates	Revert to earlier Windows version
Use System Restore	Fix deeper issues
Pause Updates	Prevent reinstallation

🏁 Conclusion

Uninstalling a Windows 11 update is often the simplest way to fix performance issues, driver conflicts, or crashes caused by recent patches. Whether you prefer using the Settings app, Command Prompt, or Recovery options, you now know exactly how to do it safely.

Once your PC is back to normal, remember to pause automatic updates temporarily — and only reinstall updates after verifying they’re stable for your system.

❓ FAQs About Uninstalling Windows 11 Updates

1. Can I uninstall all Windows 11 updates?

No, only recent ones can be removed. Critical system updates or older updates may not have an uninstall option.

2. How long do I have to roll back a feature update?

You have 10 days after installation to go back to your previous Windows version.

3. Does uninstalling updates delete my files?

No, your personal data remains safe. Only system-level updates are removed.

4. Can I stop Windows 11 from installing updates automatically?

Yes. You can pause updates in Settings > Windows Update or disable them via Group Policy Editor.

5. What if Windows won’t boot after an update?

Boot into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment and uninstall the update from there.

🔍 Key Takeaways

Identify the faulty update before uninstalling.
Use Settings, Control Panel, or Command Prompt for removal.
Roll back feature updates within 10 days.
Create restore points regularly for safety.
Pause updates temporarily to avoid repeat issues.