Have you recently updated your Windows 11 PC and noticed things aren’t running as smoothly as before? Maybe some apps stopped working, or your system started lagging unexpectedly. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many users experience issues after installing a new Windows update. The good news is that you can easily roll back a Windows 11 update to restore your system to its previous, stable state.
In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to roll back Windows 11 update, why you might need to do it, and how to safely perform the rollback using multiple methods — all without risking your files.
💡 What Does “Rolling Back Windows 11 Update” Mean?
Rolling back means reverting your system to a previous version of Windows that was installed before the latest update.
When Windows installs updates, it automatically creates backup files of your previous version. These files let you undo the update if something goes wrong — such as:
- System crashes or freezing
- Compatibility issues with hardware or software
- Unstable drivers
- Unexpected interface or performance changes
In simple terms, rolling back lets you “go back in time” to the version that worked better for you.
⚙️ Why You Might Need to Roll Back a Windows 11 Update
Not every Windows update is perfect. Sometimes updates cause more trouble than they fix. Here are common reasons to roll back:
| Problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Performance Drops | Your PC feels slower or unresponsive after an update. |
| Driver Issues | Hardware like printers, audio, or graphics cards stops working properly. |
| Software Compatibility | Certain apps or games crash after the update. |
| UI or Feature Changes | You dislike the new layout, design, or removed features. |
| Frequent Errors | Update causes bugs, crashes, or blue screen errors. |
If you notice any of these issues, reverting to your previous build may fix them instantly.
🧭 Before You Start: Important Considerations
Before rolling back your Windows 11 update, keep these points in mind:
- ⏳ Time limit: You usually have 10 days after an update to roll back. After that, Windows deletes the old version automatically.
- 💾 Backup: Although the rollback usually keeps your personal files safe, always back up important data just in case.
- ⚡ Power Source: If you’re on a laptop, plug it in — you don’t want it shutting down mid-rollback.
- 🔐 Password: Keep your account password handy, as Windows will ask you to log in after rollback.
🪟 Method 1: Roll Back Windows 11 Update via Settings
This is the easiest and most user-friendly way to undo an update.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Settings → Press Win + I.
- Go to System → Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, find Go back.
- Click the Go back button.
- Choose a reason for rollback (you can pick any option).
- Click Next → then No, thanks when asked to check for updates.
- Click Next → Next → Go back to earlier build.
Windows will restart and automatically begin restoring the previous version.
✅ Tip: This option is only available if you’re within the 10-day rollback window.
🧰 Method 2: Roll Back Windows 11 Update Using Advanced Startup Options
If your system doesn’t boot properly or crashes frequently after an update, you can roll back from the Advanced Startup menu.
Steps to Access Advanced Startup
- Press Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu.
- On the blue screen, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates.
- Choose either:
- Uninstall latest quality update (minor bug fixes), or
- Uninstall latest feature update (major version changes).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Once done, Windows will remove the latest update and reboot into your previous stable build.
🔧 Method 3: Uninstall Windows Update from Control Panel
If you just installed a small cumulative or security update, you can uninstall it directly from the Control Panel.
Steps
- Press Win + R, type
appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. - In the left panel, click View installed updates.
- Find the recent update you want to uninstall (look under “Microsoft Windows”).
- Right-click it → select Uninstall.
- Confirm the action and wait for Windows to remove the update.
💡 Note: This works best for smaller updates — not full feature upgrades.
🧩 Method 4: Roll Back Using System Restore (If Enabled)
If you previously created a System Restore point, this method can revert your PC to a previous state — including before the update.
Steps
- Press Win + R, type
rstrui, and hit Enter. - Click Next to view available restore points.
- Choose one created before the Windows update.
- Click Next → Finish → Yes to start the restoration.
Windows will restart and restore your system files to the earlier configuration.
✅ This method is ideal if your rollback option in Settings is unavailable.
🧱 Method 5: Use Command Prompt in Recovery Mode
For advanced users or cases where your PC won’t boot normally, you can roll back using the Command Prompt.
Steps
- Boot your PC into Advanced Startup (as shown in Method 2).
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
dism /image:C:\ /get-packages - Identify the update you want to remove from the list.
- Then type:
dism /image:C:\ /remove-package /[PackageName] - Replace
[PackageName]with the exact name of the update.
Restart your PC — the selected update will be uninstalled.
⚠️ Use this method only if you’re familiar with command-line tools.
🧾 Method 6: Roll Back Using a Bootable USB (Clean Install)
If all else fails, you can reinstall your previous version using a bootable USB drive.
Steps
- Create a Windows 11 installation USB using the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from the USB (press F12 or your system’s boot key).
- Choose Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
- Select System Restore or Uninstall Updates.
If rollback still isn’t possible, proceed with a clean install using the same USB.
🧠 How to Check Your Current Windows Version
Before rolling back, it’s smart to check which version you’re currently on.
Steps
- Press Win + R, type
winver, and press Enter. - You’ll see your Windows version (e.g., 23H2, Build 22631).
Knowing this helps you identify which update caused the issue.
🧩 Troubleshooting: “Go Back” Option is Missing
If the Go back button is greyed out or missing, here’s why:
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| 10-day period expired | You can extend it manually using Command Prompt before expiry. |
| Old Windows files deleted | Once Windows.old is removed, rollback isn’t possible. |
| Clean install performed | No previous build available to revert to. |
| Major upgrade override | Use System Restore or clean install instead. |
Extend the Rollback Window (Before It Expires)
To extend the rollback limit from 10 days to 30 days:
- Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow /Value:30 - Press Enter.
This gives you more time to decide whether to keep or undo the update.
🔐 What Happens After You Roll Back?
Once the rollback completes:
- Your files and most settings remain intact.
- Apps installed after the update may be removed.
- You’ll return to your older Windows version (e.g., 22H2).
- Updates will be paused temporarily — you can later re-enable them manually.
You can recheck your version using the winver command.
⚡ How to Prevent Problematic Updates in the Future
To avoid repeating the rollback process, you can pause or defer updates.
Pause Updates
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Pause updates for 1 week (you can extend up to 5 weeks).
Defer Feature Updates (Pro or Enterprise users)
- Open Group Policy Editor (
gpedit.msc). - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage updates offered from Windows Update. - Enable Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received.
- Set a delay (e.g., 30–60 days) before installing new updates.
💡 This gives Microsoft time to fix any bugs before they reach your PC.
📋 Comparison Table: Rollback Methods Overview
| Method | Ease of Use | Works When Windows Boots? | Keeps Files? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Startup | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes / No | ✅ Yes |
| Control Panel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| System Restore | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Command Prompt | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ⚠️ Depends |
| Bootable USB | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ⚠️ Optional |
🧩 Quick Tips for a Smooth Rollback
- Back up your important data first.
- Unplug unnecessary USB devices.
- Keep your laptop connected to power.
- Disable antivirus temporarily (if it interferes).
- Be patient — rollback can take 15–45 minutes.
🧠 FAQs About Rolling Back Windows 11 Updates
1. Can I roll back Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Yes, but only if you upgraded from Windows 10 within the last 10 days. After that, you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10 manually.
2. Will I lose my files when rolling back?
No, your personal files usually remain safe. However, it’s still wise to create a backup.
3. What if my “Go back” option isn’t available?
You can try System Restore, Uninstall updates via Advanced Startup, or reinstall using a bootable USB.
4. How long does the rollback take?
Depending on your system speed and update size, it can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
5. Can I stop automatic updates permanently?
Not entirely, but you can pause or defer updates for extended periods using Settings or Group Policy.
🧾 Conclusion
Rolling back a Windows 11 update is a simple yet powerful way to fix performance issues, driver problems, or software incompatibility. Whether you use the Settings app, Advanced Startup, or System Restore, there’s always a method that fits your situation.
Remember: Windows updates are meant to improve your experience — but when things go wrong, rolling back gives you control to restore stability. Always back up your files and monitor updates carefully to avoid future issues.
📋 Summary: Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Rollback limit | 10 days after update |
| Safe methods | Settings → Go back, Advanced Startup, System Restore |
| Backup needed | Recommended before rollback |
| Common cause | Driver or performance issues |
| Future prevention | Pause or defer updates |
🧩 Bottom Line: Learning how to roll back Windows 11 update helps you keep your system stable, secure, and efficient — giving you full control over when and how updates affect your PC.