How to Remove Failed Updates in Windows 11

A failed Windows 11 update usually isn’t installed, so there’s nothing to uninstall: clear its leftover download files, fix the cause and let Windows retry. If the update did install and caused problems, remove it in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

These steps are for Windows 11 Home and Pro and follow Microsoft’s current support pages. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and its menus differ.

Failed, Pending or Installed: Which One Do You Have?

What you see in Update history	What it means	What to do
“Failed to install” with an error code	The update never installed	Clear the update cache, fix the cause, retry
Stuck at “Pending download” or “Pending install”	Files are waiting or stuck	Restart, then clear the update cache
Listed under Quality Updates as installed	It’s on your PC	Uninstall it if it caused problems

Microsoft recommends backing up personal files before update troubleshooting, for example to OneDrive or a USB drive.

Fix an Update That Failed to Install

Step 1: Restart and Check for Updates Again

Restart your computer, then open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. A restart can clear a temporary conflict, and Windows downloads and retries the update.

Step 2: Note the Error Code and Check the Basics

In Settings > Windows Update > Update history, find the failed update’s name (its KB number) and error code. Then check these common causes:

• A stable internet connection and power, so plug in a laptop.
• An administrator account, since some updates need one.
• The correct date and time in Settings > Time & language > Date & time, with Set time automatically on.
• Enough free space. A feature upgrade needs at least 20 GB free on a 64-bit PC, and Windows can show what’s taking up space.
• No extra hardware. Unplug external drives and docks you don’t need, then retry.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, or run the Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
2. Next to Windows Update, select Run. The troubleshooter checks for problems and fixes what it can.

3. Restart if asked, then check for updates again.

Step 4: Clear the Windows Update Cache

This is the step most people mean by “deleting” a failed or pending update. It removes the downloaded update files, not installed updates. Corrupt files in the cache can cause errors, and Microsoft’s update troubleshooting guide gives these steps:

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop. The status column goes blank.

3. Open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution in File Explorer and delete everything inside it (not the folder itself). Select Continue if Windows asks for administrator permission.

4. Back in Services, right-click Windows Update and select Start, then check for updates again. Windows downloads fresh copies of the updates.

If Windows says a file is in use, the service is still running. Stop it again and retry. Don’t delete other folders in the Windows directory.

Step 5: Repair System Files

If the update still fails, repair Windows system files:

1. Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin). Select Yes at the permission prompt.
2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. Wait for a message that the restore operation completed; if you don’t see one, run it again.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait until verification reaches 100 percent.

4. Restart, then try Windows Update again.

Step 6: Look Up the Error Code

Here’s what some common codes mean:

• 0x8007000d: corrupted update files or cache. Run the troubleshooter and clear the cache.
• 0x800705b4: the update took too long or was interrupted. Check your connection and restart.
• 0x800f0922: not enough space, or a problem with .NET Framework or another component. Free space and disconnect any VPN.
• 0xC1900101: an incompatible driver. Update network and graphics drivers from the hardware maker.
• 0x80070005: access denied or missing permissions. Sign in as an administrator.
• 0x80248014: the update service isn’t running. Start the Windows Update service and run the troubleshooter.

Uninstall an Update That Installed and Caused Problems

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Under More options, select Update history.
3. Under Related settings, select Uninstall updates.

4. Find the recent update that matches when the problem started and select Uninstall. Windows removes it and may ask you to restart.

Some updates can’t be uninstalled, and you should understand the risks before removing a security update. Microsoft’s steps are on the uninstall a Windows update page. Uninstalling an update doesn’t remove your personal files.

From the command line: in Terminal (Admin), Get-HotFix lists installed updates. To remove one, type wusa /uninstall /kb:5000000, replacing the number with the update’s KB number. Some monthly updates can’t be removed this way; if the command reports an error, use Settings or the recovery steps below.

If Windows Won’t Start After an Update

1. Open the recovery environment (Windows RE). It starts on its own after two failed attempts to start Windows. If you can still reach Windows, use Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, as in how to boot into recovery mode in Windows 11.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. Have your BitLocker recovery key ready in case it’s requested.
3. Choose to uninstall the latest quality update (monthly update) or the latest feature update, whichever matches what installed before the problem began.

If that doesn’t help, try a restore point from the same Advanced options screen, or, as a last resort, reinstall Windows 11.

Can You Clear Failed Entries From Update History?

Not with a supported setting. Failed attempts stay listed in Update history even after a later try installs the update. They’re harmless records and don’t use meaningful space or slow down your PC. Microsoft doesn’t document a way to delete them, and the workarounds posted in forums move Windows Update database files by hand, which can confuse Windows Update.

Clearing the update cache in Step 4 can make the list shorter, because part of the history database is stored in that folder, but it isn’t guaranteed to remove every entry. Otherwise, leave the history alone, and check the newest entry for each update: if a later line says Successfully installed, that update is done.

Stop a Bad Update From Reinstalling

After you uninstall an update, Windows may install it again. To give Microsoft time to fix it, go to Settings > Windows Update, select Pick a date next to Pause updates, and choose a date up to 35 days away. To extend the pause, pick a new date, again up to 35 days from today. Updates resume on their own when the pause ends. More detail is in Pause updates in Windows. Resume updates as soon as you can so you don’t miss security fixes.

If you need a longer break, here’s how to stop automatic updates in Windows 11 without disabling security fixes for good.

The same pause also works to cancel a Windows 11 update in progress before it installs.

Frequently Asked Questions