Rolling back a Windows update can be a necessary solution if you come across any issues or errors after an update. It may sound complicated, but worry not, as we have put together a guide on how to roll back a Windows update in simple steps.
Steps to Roll Back a Windows Update
Step 1: Access Control Panel
Go to the Control Panel on your computer. The simplest way to access it is to search for it in the Start menu.
Once you’re in the Control Panel, click on “System and Security” and then “Windows Update.”
Step 2: View Update History
Click on “View update history” to reveal the list of updates installed on your computer.
Step 3: Uninstall an Update
Select the update that you want to uninstall and then click “Uninstall” at the top of the window.
Step 4: Confirm Uninstall
Windows will prompt you to confirm the uninstallation of the update. Click “Yes” to begin the process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Your computer will need to restart after the update has been uninstalled.
Step 6: Check Your Computer Again
Once your computer has restarted, check it again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Step 7: Roll Back to a Previous Build
If uninstalling the update does not solve the problem, you may want to consider rolling back to a previous build of Windows. To do this, go to “Settings,” then “Update & Security,” and click on “Recovery.”
Step 8: Advanced Startup Option
Click on “Advanced startup” and then “Restart now” to boot your computer into the Advanced Startup options.
Step 9: System Restore
Select “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” and then “System Restore.” This will allow you to select a restore point before the problematic update was installed.
Step 10: Initiate Restore
Select the restore point and follow the prompts to initiate the restore process.
Step 11: Wait for System Restore to Complete
This process may take some time, so be patient and wait for it to complete.
Step 12: Check Your Computer
Once the restore process is complete, your computer will restart. Check to see if the problem has been resolved.
Explanation
Rolling back a Windows update can be a lifesaver when you’re experiencing issues and errors.
As you’ve seen from the above guide, uninstalling an update or rolling back to a previous build can help solve problems caused by a faulty update.
Updates can sometimes conflict with your operating system, or they may be incomplete or have errors. If this happens, you may encounter bugs and glitches that cause performance issues, make your computer unstable, or interfere with your normal usage.
If you have updated your Windows operating system and are experiencing issues, these steps can help you resolve the problem.
Tips and Tricks
1. Create A System Restore Point
Before updating your Windows operating system, create a system restore point. This will allow you to restore your system to its previous state if any issues or errors occur.
2. Check Compatibility
Make sure that any software programs or devices you have installed on your computer are compatible with the Windows update.
3. Give It Time
Sometimes, updates take time to install and configure properly. Be patient and allow the update to complete before attempting to use your computer.
4. Restart Your Computer Regularly
Restarting your computer regularly can help solve many issues and errors. Restarting will close any conflicting programs and refresh your system.
5. Use Safe Mode
If your computer is not responding after an update, boot it into Safe Mode. This will allow you to troubleshoot and identify the issue.
6. Update Your Drivers
Make sure that your device drivers are up to date. This will ensure that your system can handle new software updates and features.
7. Review System Logs
Review your Windows system logs regularly. This will help you identify issues and errors before they become bigger problems.
8. Turn Off Automatic Updates
If you’d prefer to have more control over your updates, consider turning off Automatic Updates. This will allow you to review and approve updates before they are installed.
9. Consult With A Professional
If you’re not comfortable with troubleshooting your computer, consider consulting with a professional. They can identify and resolve any issues you may be experiencing with your Windows updates.
10. Backup Your Data
Make sure that you have a backup of all your important data. This will prevent data loss caused by issues or errors with Windows updates.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rolling Back a Windows Update
Advantages:
1. Restores previous system functionality: Rolling back a Windows update can restore previous system functionality that was altered or removed in the latest update.
2. Resolves compatibility issues: In some cases, an update may cause compatibility issues with third-party software or hardware, and rolling back the update can solve the problem.
3. Fixes errors and bugs: If an update introduces errors or bugs, rolling it back can solve the problem and restore system stability.
4. Saves time and money: Rolling back an update is often a quicker and cheaper solution than troubleshooting and fixing problems caused by the update.
5. Provides control over updates: Rolling back a Windows update gives the user more control over updates, allowing them to choose which updates to install and which to avoid.
Disadvantages:
1. Security risks: Rolling back a Windows update can leave the system vulnerable to security threats patched in the latest update.
2. Lost features and improvements: Rolling back an update may result in lost features and improvements introduced in the latest update.
3. Compatibility issues in the future: Rolling back an update may cause compatibility issues with future updates or new software and hardware.
4. Time-consuming: Depending on the size of the update, rolling it back can be a time-consuming process.
5. Requires technical expertise: Rolling back a Windows update may require technical expertise, and inexperienced users may make mistakes that cause further problems.
Overall, rolling back a Windows update has its advantages and disadvantages. It may be a necessary step to fix problems caused by an update, but it also has its risks and drawbacks. Users should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to roll back an update, and if in doubt, seek the advice of a professional.
FAQ
1. What is a Windows update?
A Windows update is a software patch that contains bug fixes, security improvements or new features to enhance the performance of your system.
2. Why would I want to roll back a Windows update?
You might want to roll back a Windows update if it caused compatibility or stability issues with your system or if it stopped one or more of your favorite programs from functioning properly.
3. Is it safe to roll back a Windows update?
In general, rolling back a Windows update is safe. However, it’s always a good idea to backup your important files before performing any system changes.
4. Can I roll back any Windows update?
No, you can only roll back certain updates. Generally, you can’t roll back security updates, service packs or updates that were installed more than 10 days ago.
5. How do I know which update caused the problem?
You can open the Windows Update history to see which updates were installed around the time you experienced the issue. Alternatively, you can search for the KB number of the problematic update online.
6. How do I roll back a Windows update?
You can do it from the Windows Update settings. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, click on View update history, then click on Uninstall updates and select the update you want to remove.
7. Can I undo the rollback?
No, once you roll back a Windows update, it’s permanent. However, you can always try to reinstall the update if you want to have it back.
8. Will rolling back affect other updates?
No, rolling back a Windows update won’t affect other updates that were installed before or after the problematic update.
9. Do I need administrative privileges to roll back a Windows update?
Yes, you need to have administrative rights to access the Windows Update settings and uninstall updates.
10. Can I prevent Windows from installing updates automatically?
Yes, you can change your Windows Update settings to notify you before downloading or installing updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, click on Advanced options, then choose how updates are delivered.
11. What else can I do if rolling back doesn’t solve the problem?
You can try other troubleshooting methods, such as running a System File Checker or a Startup Repair, or performing a System Restore to a previous point in time.
12. Is it necessary to update Windows regularly?
Yes, updating Windows regularly is crucial for maintaining security and performance. However, if you experience problems after installing an update, it’s important to deal with them as soon as possible.
13. Can I get help if I can’t fix the issue myself?
Yes, you can contact Microsoft Support for assistance, or seek help from online forums or communities where other users share their experiences and knowledge.
How to Roll Back a Windows Update
Windows update is an extremely important aspect of any Windows operating system. It ensures that your PC or laptop is updated with the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. However, there can be situations where a particular update can cause issues like system crashes, driver problems, or performance issues. In such cases, it is always best to roll back the update to a previous version of Windows. In this article, we will discuss how to roll back a Windows update.
Step 1: First, you need to open the Settings app on your Windows PC or laptop. You can do this by clicking on the Windows icon and selecting ‘Settings’ from the menu.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on ‘Update & Security’. This will take you to the Windows Update page.
Step 3: In the Windows Update page, click on ‘View update history’.
Step 4: In the Update History window, click on ‘Uninstall updates’ at the top of the page.
Step 5: This will open the Installed Updates window. Here, you can see all the updates that have been installed on your PC or laptop. Select the update that you want to uninstall and click on ‘Uninstall’.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. Once the process is complete, you will be rolled back to the previous version of Windows.
Conclusion and Closing
Rolling back a Windows update can be a lifesaver when things go awry. While updating your PC or laptop is essential, it can sometimes cause issues that need to be addressed. The above steps should help you in rolling back any update that is causing problems. Always keep in mind to check for updates regularly and install them in a timely manner to ensure the smooth functioning of your Windows system. We hope this article helped you in your quest to roll back a Windows update. Until next time, thank you for reading and take care!