To roll back a Windows 11 update, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select the update that caused the problem, and select Uninstall. To undo a bigger upgrade to a new Windows version, use Settings > System > Recovery > Go back, which is usually only available for 10 days after the upgrade.
This guide covers Windows 11 Home and Pro. It explains how to remove a monthly update, how to remove one when Windows won’t start, how to go back to the previous version after a feature update, and a repair option Microsoft suggests trying first.
Before You Roll Back
- Know the risk. Microsoft advises understanding the risks before removing a security update, because its protection goes with it.
- Try a repair first. Microsoft suggests Windows 11 users try reinstalling their current version of Windows before uninstalling an update (see below).
- Back up. Copy important files to separate storage and check that you can open the copies before recovery. A system restore point is not a replacement for a personal-file backup or a Windows version rollback.
- Have your BitLocker recovery key. If your drive is encrypted, the recovery tools may ask for it.
Uninstall a Recent Windows 11 Update
Use this for a monthly cumulative update, security update, or other “quality” update that caused a problem.
- Open Settings and select Windows Update. Result: the Windows Update page opens.
- Under More options, select Update history. Result: a list of installed updates appears, grouped by type.
- Note the KB number of the update that arrived just before the problem started, then scroll to Related settings and select Uninstall updates.
- Find that update and select Uninstall, then confirm. Result: Windows removes the update.
- Restart your PC when asked.
Microsoft notes that some updates can’t be uninstalled. See its guide to uninstalling a Windows update.
Why an update has no Uninstall button
Servicing stack updates, which update Windows’ own update components, and updates already replaced by a newer cumulative update can’t be removed. A feature update isn’t listed here at all; you undo it with Go back instead.
Roll Back if Windows Won’t Start
If an update leaves your PC unable to start, you can remove it from the Windows Recovery Environment. The same screens can also start Windows in Safe Mode; see how to start Windows in Safe Mode while booting.
- Open the Windows Recovery Environment. If Windows fails to start twice in a row, it usually opens on its own. Result: a blue “Choose an option” screen appears.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
- Choose Uninstall latest quality update for a monthly update, or Uninstall latest feature update for a version upgrade. Result: Windows removes the update and restarts.
If Windows starts but is unstable, you can reach the same screen from Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
Go Back to the Previous Version of Windows
After a feature update, such as moving to a new yearly version or from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you can return to the version you had before, for a limited time.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Result: the recovery options appear.
- Select Go back. If you don’t see it, the time limit has passed or the files it needs are gone.
- Choose a reason and select Next. Windows offers to check for updates first; select No, thanks to continue.
- Read the notes, select Next, then select the final Go back button. Result: the PC restarts and returns to the previous version.
Microsoft says this keeps your personal files but removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, along with settings changes. It works only if you haven’t removed the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders, you remove any user accounts added after the upgrade, and you have the USB drive you upgraded with, if you used one. You may also need the password you used on the older version.
How long you have
In most cases you have 10 days. After that Windows deletes the old files to free up space. ASUS notes that running a reset or cleaning up windows.old with Disk Cleanup also removes the option early.
If you just upgraded and want more time to decide, an administrator can extend the window to up to 60 days with DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow /Value:60 in an elevated Terminal, per Microsoft’s DISM documentation. It only works while Go back is still available.
Uninstall Windows 11 when Go back is missing
If you upgraded from Windows 10, Go back returns to Windows 10 while the rollback is available. If your previous version was another Windows 11 release, it returns to that release. A PC that came with Windows 11 has no earlier Windows 10 installation to recover through this button.
When the rollback files are unavailable, Reset this PC and Reinstall now are not Windows 10 downgrade buttons. To replace Windows 11 with Windows 10, plan a separate installation with suitable media, a valid license, and compatible manufacturer drivers. Check those requirements before starting; a working Windows 11 PC does not by itself prove Windows 10 driver support.
A clean installation removes personal files, apps, and settings from the installation drive. Verify your external backup, save the recovery key if encrypted, and identify the intended drive before any erase step. Follow Microsoft’s installation-media guide for the installation procedure. Stop if you cannot identify the disk or verify the license; get help from the PC manufacturer or IT. Do not treat an in-place repair of the current version as a way to preserve everything during a downgrade.
Windows 10 support: standard support ended October 14, 2025. Microsoft lists Extended Security Updates for eligible devices as a temporary option; enrollment is separate from reinstalling Windows. Review Microsoft’s current support guidance before choosing Windows 10. Repairing a supported Windows 11 installation may be the better fit if the reason for downgrading is a recent update problem.
First check whether Settings > System > Recovery > Go back can restore an actual previous Windows 10 installation; use the rollback section above when it can. If it cannot, Windows 10 requires a separate installation. Verify a suitable Windows 10 license, manufacturer support and drivers, and an external backup before proceeding. Windows 10’s ordinary support has ended; check the support and ESU information above before choosing it.
On a working PC, get Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Run it, choose Create installation media for another PC, select the needed language, edition and architecture, and create a USB on a blank drive of at least 8 GB. This erases the USB. Connect it to the target PC and select it from the manufacturer’s boot menu. In Windows Setup, choose language and keyboard, start installation, use your valid license for the correct edition, and select the intended installation disk. Formatting or deleting partitions erases their contents. After setup, check activation, install compatible updates and drivers, and restore your backup. Our Windows 10 USB instructions cover media creation separately from Windows 11.
Try This First: Reinstall Your Current Version
If Windows Update is misbehaving or a problem appeared after an update, Microsoft’s Fix problems using Windows Update option reinstalls the same version of Windows, repairs system files, and keeps your apps, files, and settings.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
- Choose whether the PC can restart automatically 15 minutes after the installation finishes, then select OK. Result: Windows downloads and installs a repair version of your last successful update.
Keep the PC plugged in and online. The option may be missing on work or school PCs. See Microsoft’s reinstall guide for details.
Stop the Update From Coming Back
Windows may try to reinstall an update you removed. Go to Settings > Windows Update and select a Pause updates period to give Microsoft time to release a fix. Then resume updates so you get the corrected version and current security fixes. See how to cancel or pause a Windows 11 update.
Troubleshooting
- Go back is missing: the rollback period may have expired or required files may have been removed. Uninstalling a monthly update does not change Windows 11 into Windows 10. Review the separate-installation section above; Reset this PC also does not select an older operating system.
- Uninstall fails: restart and try again, or try the Recovery Environment method.
- Asked for a BitLocker recovery key: find it in your Microsoft account online from another device.
- Problem continues after removing the update: the update may not be the cause. Try Reinstall now or check drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the update failed to install?
A failed update usually doesn’t need to be uninstalled. See how to fix failed updates in Windows 11.
Will uninstalling an update delete my files?
No. It removes the update, not your personal files. Going back to a previous version also keeps your files, though it removes apps installed after the upgrade.
Can I roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Go back can return to Windows 10 if that was your previous installation and rollback is still available. Otherwise, replacing Windows 11 requires a separate installation, a verified backup, compatible drivers, and the appropriate license. Check the Windows 10 support section above first.
Is it safe to remove a security update?
It’s possible, but you lose that update’s protection. Remove it only when it’s clearly causing a problem, and reinstall a fixed update as soon as one is available.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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