Removing an Update

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

Using Windows Defender Offline

Normally Windows Defender is used in an online environment. You can, if desired, also use it offline. This tip describes ...

Discover More

Changing How User Account Control Works

The User Account Control (UAC) model allows an administrator to control when (or if) they are to be notified when a ...

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Duplicate an Existing Power Scheme

The Powercfg utility allows you to control how power is used on your system. This tip shows you how to use the ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Configuring Windows' Secret Start Menu

You can quickly access either Command Prompt or PowerShell by using the Win+X shortcut key command. But which one is ...

Discover More

Changing App Notifications

Windows apps can communicate with you, keeping you up to date with whatever task they are designed to perform. If you get ...

Discover More

Starting Applications Automatically when Starting Windows

Understanding the Task Scheduler is a great asset when you want your computer to do things automatically. This tip shows ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

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}] 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 2 + 8?

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

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2020 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.