If a Windows update causes a driver problem, unwanted change, or new bug, you can usually uninstall it and temporarily stop Windows from installing it again.
This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Feature updates and normal quality updates have slightly different rollback behavior.
Does This Affect You?
Use uninstall when the problem began immediately after a specific update. Use pause or hide only as a temporary workaround because updates also include security fixes.
Uninstall the Problem Update
- Open Windows Update settings and go to Update history.
- Click Uninstall updates.
- Find the newest update that matches when the problem started.
- Click Uninstall and confirm.
- Restart if prompted.
Major feature updates are usually removable only for a limited time, often about 10 days after installation. After that, Windows removes the rollback files.
Pause Updates Temporarily
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Pause updates for 1 week.
- Extend the pause if needed, up to the limit Windows allows.
- Resume updates when a fix is available.
Hide One Specific Update
- Download Microsoft’s Show or Hide Updates troubleshooter from Microsoft Support.
- Run the tool and choose Hide updates.
- Select the update you already removed.
- Finish the tool so Windows Update skips that specific update.
- Use Show hidden updates later to allow it again.
More Update Rollback Notes
Driver Updates
For a bad driver, open Device Manager, open the device properties, and use Roll Back Driver on the Driver tab if available.
Do Not Pause Forever
Pausing or hiding one bad update is reasonable. Leaving all updates paused long-term leaves known security vulnerabilities unpatched.
Check Known Issues
Search the KB number on Microsoft’s support site to see whether Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and published a workaround or fix.
Managed PCs
Work and school devices may have update controls locked by IT policy. If options are greyed out, contact the administrator.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Uninstall an update in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update FAQ
- Microsoft Support: Pause updates in Windows