A Windows 11 update can occasionally cause problems: a printer or game stops working, performance drops, or the PC won’t start properly. You can roll it back. How you do that depends on the kind of update: a regular monthly update can be uninstalled, while a big yearly feature update can be reversed with Go back for a limited time. This guide covers both, plus what to do if Windows won’t start.
Quick Answer
- Monthly (quality) update: Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then click Uninstall next to the update.
- Feature update (new Windows 11 version): Settings > System > Recovery > Go back, available for about 10 days after the upgrade.
- Then pause updates so it doesn’t reinstall right away.
Method 1: Uninstall a Recent Update
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Update history, and note the KB number and date of the update that caused trouble.
- Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
- Click Uninstall next to the update, and confirm.
- Restart when prompted.
Some updates, like servicing stack updates, can’t be uninstalled. That’s normal.
Method 2: Go Back to the Previous Version of Windows 11
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Go back, click Go back.
- Choose a reason, decline checking for updates, and follow the prompts. You’ll need your sign-in password for the previous version.
This option is available for about 10 days after a feature update, as long as you haven’t run Disk Cleanup on the previous installation files (Windows.old). Your files are kept, but apps and settings changed after the upgrade may be lost.
Method 3: If Windows Won’t Start
- Turn the PC on and off three times during startup, or boot from a Windows 11 USB drive and choose Repair your computer, to reach the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
- Pick Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update.
You can also choose System Restore here if you have a restore point from before the update.
Method 4: Command Line
In an administrator terminal, run wusa /uninstall /kb:NUMBER (replace NUMBER with the digits from the KB number). Some recent cumulative updates can’t be removed this way; use Settings or the Recovery Environment instead.
Stop the Update From Reinstalling
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and choose Pause updates (up to 5 weeks).
- Check Microsoft’s Windows release health page for known issues and fixes; the problem is often resolved in the next update.
- Install drivers from your PC maker if the problem was driver-related.
Summary
- Uninstall monthly updates in Update history > Uninstall updates.
- Reverse feature updates with Recovery > Go back within about 10 days.
- Use the Recovery Environment’s Uninstall Updates if Windows won’t start.
- Pause updates afterward.
Related: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.