How do I Completely Uninstall Windows Updates?

Are you facing Windows 11 crash after installing some recent updates? If soit’s better to uninstall Windows updates because specific updates might invite unexpected bugs that hinder the smooth functioning of your computer.

The issue with new updates may happen because some updates might not be totally compatible with the software or hardware you already have installed on your computerwhich could result in conflicts that cause system slowdownsfreezesor even crashes.

If you want to know about this uninstallation process's methodskeep reading this article.

Is it safe to uninstall old updates?

In generalit is risky to uninstall old updates. Security patches are frequently included in Windows updates and are essential for safeguarding your computer from malware and other dangers. Sotaking this action can make your computer vulnerable to attacks.

Howeversometimesif you are having problems with a particular updateit’s better to uninstall it without compromising your security. Before thatit’s also essential to know the risks and benefits of it. If the benefits weigh more than the risksuninstall the problematic update. 

How to uninstall Windows Update?

AgainWindows will automatically remove the previous version ten days after upgrading to a new one. But you can securely remove it yourself if you need to free up disc space and are certain that your files and Windows settings are where you want them to be.

These are the methods you can follow if you want to go back to the previous update of Windows-

Uninstall updates from Windows Settings

The most used way of uninstalling an update is to do it from Windows settings-

1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. Select the Windows Update option and navigate to Update History.
   
3. Scroll down to find the Uninstall updates under Related settings.
   
4. From the listchoose an update you want to remove and select Uninstall.
   
5. Thenclick on Uninstall again.

Uninstall via Advanced Startup Options screen

You can also use Advanced Startup Options while uninstalling-

1. Open the Settings app like before.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Click on the Restart button on the Advanced startup option to open the Advanced Startup Options screen.
   
4. Click on Troubleshoot.
   
5. Select Advanced options again.
6. Click on Uninstall Updates.
   
7. Select Uninstall latest quality update.
   
8. If promptedenter your administrator credentials.
9. Click Uninstall.
10. Restart your computer. 

Use a Batch File

Using the previous methodsyou can uninstall one update at a timebut if you want to uninstall multiple updates all at onceuse the batch file method. You have to create a batch script containing the WUSA commands to uninstall the files all at once. Here’s how you can do it-

1. Open Notepad on your computer and type the following commandthen press Enter after each line: 

@echo off

wusa /uninstall /kb:4601554 /quiet /norestart

wusa /uninstall /kb:4561600 /quiet /norestart

END

2. Nowselect File > Save As.
   
3. Save the file as a .bat file.
   
4. Type and add command lines for the updates you want to uninstall and make proper adjustments to the KB number.
5.  Double-click on the batch file to run it.

Note: Windows will not open after this methodand there will be no auto reboot. If you want to automatically reboot after uninstalling the updateadd shutdown at the end of the batch file.  

Uninstall with IObit uninstaller [Easiest Method]

Using IObit uninstaller is quite an easy way to achieve your goal-

1. Download IObit Uninstaller.
2. Launch it.
3. Click on the Tools icon and then click on the Windows Updates Uninstall option.
   
4. Mark the update you prefer and click on Uninstall.
   
5. Follow all the prompted on-screen instructions to uninstall the update. 
6. You can also select more than one update to uninstall them at once.

Note: If you uninstall an update that is required by a third-party applicationthe application may not work correctly.

How to uninstall Windows Update using CMD (Command Prompt) or Terminal?

It's also possible to uninstall the update using the command prompt or terminal-

1. Press the Win + X keys to open the Power Menu.
2. Select the Terminal (Admin) from the Power menu.
   
3. Thentype the following command to see all updates and press Enter: wmic qfe list brief /format:table
   
4. After executing this commanda screen will appear with all the installed Windows 11 updates.
5. Search for the updates you want to uninstall. 
6. Type the following command and hit Enter: wusa /uninstall /kb:<KB number>
7. Replace <KB number> with the KB number of the update you want to uninstall.
8. For exampleto uninstall the KB5005635 updateyou would type the following command and press Enter: wusa /uninstall /kb:5005635
   

Following these steps will make the uninstallation process successful.

Note: You must have to know the KB number of the update you want to uninstall to imply this method.

What will happen if you uninstall Windows Update?

There are a few things that might happen if you uninstall the current update on your computer-

• Your PC may lose functionality or features added by the update.
• It will become vulnerable to malware and other attacks.
• If you have to reinstall the update in the futureit could be time-consuming and frustrating.

Soit’s recommended not to uninstall updates because they are designed to improve the performance and security of your PC. That’s why uninstalling them may create security risks.

We hope you can now uninstall Windows update by yourself. All you have to do is follow one of the methods mentioned above that is convenient for you.