How to Uninstall a Windows Update: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows updates are essential for keeping your system secure and up-to-date. However, sometimes you might want to uninstall a specific update. This guide will walk you through the process of how to uninstall a Windows update on Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as how to do it using the Control Panel and PowerShell.

Uninstalling Windows Update via Settings

The easiest way to uninstall a Windows update is through the Settings and Update and Security menu:

Select the Start button. Then, select Settings Update Security Windows Update. Click View update history. Select and hold or right-click the update you want to remove. Select Uninstall.

Uninstalling Windows Update via Settings (Windows 11)

For those using Windows 11, follow these steps:

Select the Start button. Then, select Settings Windows Update Update history. Locate the update you want to remove and select Uninstall next to it.

Uninstalling Windows Update via Control Panel

Alternatively, you can use the Control Panel:

Write Control Panel in the search bar. Click the uppermost option Control Panel. Click on Uninstall a program under the Programs category. To the left of the next screen, you will see an option to View installed updates. Click this option to go to the Installed Updates screen. Follow the same process as mentioned above to uninstall the update.

When you click Uninstall, you will see a confirmation dialog box. Click Yes to proceed with the uninstallation.

Uninstalling Windows Update via PowerShell or Command Prompt

If you prefer to use PowerShell or the Command Prompt, you can achieve this as well:

Search for Command Prompt or PowerShell in the Start Menu. Right-click and select Run as administrator. Once the program is open, type the following command to view all the installed updates:

wmic qfe list brief /format:table

Note: Windows PowerShell Uninstall Updates - This command will display a table of all the Windows 10 updates that have been installed on your computer. Find the update you want to uninstall and note its HotFixID.

Next, type the following command to begin uninstalling the update:

wusa /uninstall /kb:HotFixID

Replace the HotFixID with the actual identification number of the update you want to remove. For instance, to uninstall an update with the HotFixID KB4601554, you would use:

wusa /uninstall /kb:4601554

A dialog box will appear, prompting you to confirm the uninstallation. Click Yes or press Y on your keyboard to proceed.

Your Windows 10 or Windows 11 update will uninstall shortly.