How to Roll Back Windows Updates on Your PC (and Why You Should)

Windows updates for newer versions are typically downloaded and installed in the background, with changes activated on the next system restart. This is generally beneficial as it keeps your system updated, resolves security vulnerabilities, and introduces new features, as seen with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update.

However, there are instances when automatic updates can cause issues, such as incomplete downloads, failed installations, or errors from the start. A notable example is the Windows update KB5043145, where users encountered the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD) instead of enjoying new features and enhancements.

If you’re facing issues with a Windows update, the first course of action should be to remove the problematic update from your system. Fortunately, Microsoft usually addresses such concerns quickly, often rectifying the situation in the subsequent update. In the meantime, you can continue using the previous version of Windows safely without undue risk.

This guide outlines several straightforward methods to reset a Windows update.

Checklist to Review Before Resetting

Before diving into more complex fixes, take a moment to review this checklist to identify potential basic conflicts and issues:

• Ensure your system hard drive has sufficient storage space for updates.
• Try restarting your system to see if that facilitates proper update installation.
• If necessary, attempt running the Windows update again.
• Disconnect any external devices that aren’t essential for your system to run.
• Open the Device Manager to check for any reported conflicts or errors.
• Verify that no antivirus or malware software is obstructing the update; you may need to temporarily disable such programs.
• Confirm that the Windows update service is active. Click on Start, type services.msc, and find “Windows Update” in the list; ensure the startup type is set to “manual,” which can be adjusted by right-clicking and selecting “Properties.”

If you’re still encountering difficulties after these steps, here’s how to reset or repair Windows updates.

Microsoft recognizes that its own updates can sometimes disrupt the operating system, which is why modern versions of Windows include tools for troubleshooting update issues or resetting updates.

The simplest approach is to use Windows’ built-in update troubleshooter, which can be accessed in various ways depending on your version of the operating system.

For Windows 11: Navigate to “Other troubleshooters” via Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot. Locate the “Run” option next to “Windows Update” and start the troubleshooter. A system reboot is then recommended.

For Windows 10: Head to “Troubleshooting” through Start > Settings > Update & Security. Alternatively, type troubleshooting into the Start menu and select “Troubleshooting settings.” Locate “Additional troubleshooting” at the bottom. In the next window, find “Windows Update” on the left side, click it, and then select the option to “Run troubleshooter.” Wait for the system to analyze and address any errors that arise, and then restart.

Option 2: Utilize a System Restore Point

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Windows regularly creates restore points (unless you prevent this from happening), which can be utilized to revert your system to a previous state, effectively helping with updates issues and various other system annoyances without losing data or settings. You can also manually create a restore point.

Here’s how to set up a restore point:

1. Click on Start and type restore point. The first result should be “Create restore point”; click that option.
2. In the window that appears (on the “System protection” tab), select “System Restore…”
3. Hit “Next” in the window that opens.

• Windows will display available restore points. Select the one you’d like to use. Tip: You can utilize the “Search for affected programs” option to check which components will be influenced by the restore.
• Confirm your choice by clicking “Next” and then “Finish.” You might need to confirm a security notice. The system will then revert to the selected restore point configuration and restart.

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For some software-related issues, additional software tools may be required: one such tool is the Reset Windows Update Tool. You can download this free, open-source program as a portable archive file. Follow these steps after downloading:

• Extract the tool to a folder of your choice.
• Run “wureset.exe” with administrative privileges (right-click to select “Run as administrator”).
• Select your preferred language.
• Next, choose “Restore Windows Update Components” (typically option “2” and press ENTER).
• Allow the process to complete, which may take a few minutes, after which your updates should function normally.

Option 4: Manually Install Updates

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When automatic updates fail, you can sometimes download and install the necessary updates manually. For instance, after reverting to a previous restore point, you may want to manually retrieve important updates instead of relying on the troubled automatic update system.

Please note that you’ll need to know the KB number (identifier) for the update in question. These update IDs are usually visible under “Windows Update” before installation. To find the update, simply go to Start, select Check for updates, or check Show update history to view past updates and their corresponding identifiers.

• Visit the Microsoft update catalog and input the KB number in the search field.
• Download the update directly.
• Run the update installer from your downloads directory.

Option 5: Manually Reset Update Services

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The Command Prompt can also be used to stop and restart update services. While this method doesn’t formally reset updates, it can aid the operating system in successfully completing updates. To do this:

• Open Start and type cmd.
• Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the results and select “Run as administrator.”
• Enter the following commands one by one:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
sfc /scannow
net start bits
net start wuauserv

This will halt and restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and the Windows Update AutoUpdate Service (Wuauserv). After executing these commands, you can attempt to install the problematic update again.

When All Else Fails: Reinstall Windows

If none of the aforementioned steps yield positive results, you may have to contemplate reinstalling Windows. As this action can lead to loss of settings and data, it should be regarded as a last resort—especially if your system becomes non-functional after an update and you’re unwilling or unable to wait for a resolution from Microsoft.