Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall Windows 10 Updates

Key Notes

  • Four effective methods to uninstall updates in Windows 10.
  • Use PowerShell and Command Prompt for powerful command-line removal.
  • Access Advanced Startup for unresponsive systems.

Mastering Windows 10: How to Efficiently Uninstall Updates

Uninstalling updates on Windows 10 is crucial for maintaining system stability, especially when updates introduce bugs or compatibility issues. This guide will walk you through four diversified methods to remove problematic updates and enhance system performance.

Remove Updates via Settings

To uninstall an update on Windows 10 using the Settings app, follow these structured steps:

  1. Launch the Settings application from the Start menu.

  2. Select Update & Security.

  3. Navigate to Windows Update.

  4. Click on the “View update history” button.

  5. Select the Uninstall updates option.

  6. Choose the specific Windows 10 update you wish to remove.

  7. Click the Uninstall button and confirm by selecting Yes.

Upon completion, your device will revert to its previous state before the update.

Uninstall with Command Prompt

To permanently remove an update using Command Prompt, adhere to the following steps:

  1. Access the Start menu.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click on the top result, and select Run as administrator.

  3. Execute the command to view your update history: wmic qfe list brief /format:table

  4. Identify the update by its HotFixID and InstalledOn details.

  5. Uninstall the update with the command: wusa /uninstall /kb:KBNUMBER, replacing KBNUMBER with the specific update’s KB number. For example: wusa /uninstall /kb:5003637

  6. Confirm removal by selecting Yes when prompted.

The selected update will now be removed from your computer.

Remove Updates via PowerShell

To uninstall updates using PowerShell, follow these detailed instructions:

  1. Open the Start menu.

  2. Search for PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

  3. Install the necessary PowerShell module using the command: Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate.

  4. Press A to accept and install the module.

  5. Retrieve update history with: Get-WUHistory | Select-Object -First 20.

  6. Block and remove the update by executing: Remove-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KBNUMBER, replacing KBNUMBER with the targeted update ID.

  7. Acknowledge the action by pressing A.

The system may require a reboot to apply changes successfully.

Remove Updates using Advanced Startup

To uninstall an update using Advanced Startup, complete these steps:

  1. Initiate your device into Advanced Startup.

  2. Select Troubleshoot.

  3. Click on Advanced options.

  4. Choose Uninstall Updates.

  5. Opt for “Uninstall latest quality update”.

  6. Enter your administrator credentials when prompted.

  7. Click the “Uninstall quality update” button.

Your system will now uninstall the latest quality update as long as it’s available.

Summary

This guide outlined comprehensive methods to uninstall updates in Windows 10, ensuring your system remains functional and error-free. Following these steps will allow you to manage updates effectively, addressing issues caused by quality patches efficiently.

Conclusion

Removing problematic updates from Windows 10 is a crucial skill for any user facing issues. Utilizing the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your updates, ensuring your operating system performs optimally. Don’t hesitate to follow the detailed instructions and make your computing experience smoother.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I find the KB number for an update?

You can find the KB number in the update history in Settings under ‘View update history’, or by using the Command Prompt command wmic qfe list brief.

What should I do if I cannot access the Windows 10 desktop?

If you cannot access the desktop, boot into Advanced Startup and follow the steps to uninstall updates without needing to log in.