How To: Uninstall Windows Updates

As you might have heard already, Microsoft had a bit of trouble lately with the some of the recent updates to Windows bringing a lot of trouble with them. Microsoft has since removed the updates and has issues an apology along with instructions on how to remove traces from those specific updates. But what about other updates? What if you installed an update that you think is causing trouble or that you do not need anymore? Well, Windows makes it fairly easy to uninstall updates, provided you know wher to look.

Control Panel

The easiest option will let you uninstall updates from an interface identical to the one where you uninstall programs in your PC. In fact, you have to get to that same utility in order to remove the updates. To get there quickly, tap on your Windows key, type uninstall program and press Enter. You will be taken to your familiar programs and features menu so click on the “View installed updates” link on the left sidebar in order to get a list of Windows Updates you have installed in your computer. Right click on the ones you want to remove, select the Uninstall option and you are good to go. Sometimes you will have to restart your PC to complete the process but the system will inform you if that is the case.

CMD

You can also uninstall updates from the command line easily enough, although the majority of users will not bother with this method. First of all you will need to open an elevated command prompt window. Type cmd in your Start menu/screen, right click on the first result and select to Run as Administrator. Then, issue the following command:

wusa /uninstall /kb:1234567

Obviously, you will need to replace the update number with the one corresponding to the update you want to remove.

Quick tips

You should always have a backup of your computer ready for situations like this. We have shown you various ways on how to do that, including creating a backup image of your PC to restore it to its exact previous state. Also make sure you do not install any updates you are not sure about, even if they come from Microsoft. Search the web for them first to make sure they are safe and then feel free to install them. Finally, make sure you do not uninstall any important Windows Updates. A lot of them are integral to your system’s security and stability so make sure you research about any update you attempt to remove from your system, unless you are absolutely certain it is faulty.