By default, Windows automatically downloads the latest updates, drivers, and hotfixes, then schedules an install. Windows will try to automatically install the updates when the computer is idle and not actively in use. These updates are recommended by Microsoft for Windows systems. They are released to fix issues, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve system stability and performance. However, some updates may cause Windows devices to not operate properly and cause issues. Microsoft will typically notify users and provide a workaround to resolve these issues. While it’s not recommended to uninstall updates provided by Microsoft, in rear cases, the only solution to a problem introduced by Windows updates is to remove or uninstall them. Below is how to do that in Windows 11.
How to remove or uninstall Windows updates in Windows 11
As described above, while it’s not recommended to uninstall updates provided by Microsoft, in rear cases, the only solution to a problem introduced by Windows updates is to remove or uninstall them. Here’s how to uninstall updates in Windows 11.
Uninstall Windows updates using the Settings app
One way to uninstall updates in Windows 11 is to use the Windows Settings app. To open the click Settings app, click on the Start menu button and select Settings. You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app. When the Settings app opens, click the Windows Update button on the left. On the right, click on the Update history tile to expand. On the Windows Update -> Update history settings pane, under Related settings, click the Uninstall updates tile to expand. On the Windows Update -> Update history -> Uninstall updates settings pane, locate the recently installed updates you want to remove and click the Uninstall button. Follow through with the uninstall and close. You may have to restart your computer for the changes to apply.
Uninstall Windows updates via Control Panel in Windows 11
Another way to remove or uninstall Windows updates is to use the Control Panel app. Open the Control Panel app, then go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features. On the Program and Features settings pane, click on the “View installed updates” link at the top left. You should see recently installed updates on the list. Select an update you want to remove or uninstall and follow the instructions.
Uninstall Windows updates using the Advanced Startup Boot
If you can’t fully sign into Windows, using the Advanced startup boot will be a great option to uninstall recently installed updates. First, boot into the Advanced startup boot menu. On the Advanced startup boot menu, select Troubleshoot button. On the Advanced startup boot menu -> Troubleshoot screen, select Advanced options. On the Advanced startup boo menu -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced options settings window, select Uninstall Updates. On the Advanced startup boot menu -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Uninstall Updates screen, select either Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update for the type of the last update you want to uninstall.
Feature updates are typically released twice per year and include new functionality and capabilities as well as potential fixes and security updates. Quality updates are more frequent and include small fixes and security updates.
In most cases, you may choose to uninstall a quality update. Finally, click the uninstall quality update button to continue. Wait for the changes to apply, then restart your computer. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to uninstall or remove updates from Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
