Removing an Update

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated September 23, 2019)

On rare occasions, a Windows Update may have adverse effects on your system. In times like these, you may decide to remove the update in order to have the system run without it. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Display the Control Panel.
  2. Click the Programs category.
  3. Under the Programs and Features heading, click View Installed Updates. Windows displays the Installed Update screen. (See Figure 1.)

    4. Figure 1. Windows Update history screen.

  4. Select the update you want to remove by clicking on it once. The screen changes slightly, displaying an Uninstall link just to the right of the Organize drop-down list.
  5. Click the Uninstall link. Windows asks you if you really want to uninstall the update.
  6. Click Yes. The update is uninstalled.

When you're finished uninstalling updates, close the Control Panel window. You may also need to restart your system to finish an uninstall.

 This tip (5647) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding Types of DVDs

There are several types of DVDs on the market. This tip explains the various types and how you might use them.

Discover More

ConFavor

Navigating to favorite files or folders need not be a time waster of click through a tree structure. ConFavor makes this ...

Discover More

Using Process Monitor

A very useful tool in diagnosing what is going on with processes and/or files is the Process Monitor tool from ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Turning Off Bothersome Windows Messages

Bothered by messages from Microsoft letting you know about their various apps and tools? Here's a way to configure ...

Discover More

Turn Off/On Window Snap

Windows allows for a system window to "snap" to certain areas of your screen. You can easily turn this feature on or off.

Discover More

Disabling Automatic Reboot after a Windows Update

It may not always be a good thing to have Windows automatically restart your computer after an update. This tip tells you ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three less than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.