Windows updates usually improve security, fix bugs, and add new features. However, a faulty update can sometimes cause unexpected problems such as File Explorer crashes, a missing taskbar, slow performance, blue screen errors, or even prevent Windows from starting properly.
If you notice a similar problem after installing a recent update like Windows 11 KB5101650, uninstalling the update is often the fastest way to restore your PC. In this guide, you’ll learn four easy ways to remove a Windows update, whether Windows starts normally or won’t boot at all. Although we use KB5101650 as an example, these methods work for most Windows 11 cumulative updates.
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How to Uninstall a Windows 11 Update
There are several ways to remove a Windows update in Windows 11. The best method depends on whether your PC starts normally or is stuck in a boot loop. We’ll use KB5101650 as an example, but these steps also work for most cumulative Windows updates.
| If… | Use this method |
|---|---|
| Windows starts normally | Uninstall from Settings |
| You know the KB number and prefer commands | Use Command Prompt |
| Windows won’t boot after the update | Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) |
| Windows is unstable or keeps crashing | Remove the update in Safe Mode |
Uninstall Windows Updates via Settings
If your PC still starts normally, the Settings app is the quickest and easiest way to uninstall a Windows update. This method works for most cumulative updates, including KB5101650, and only takes a few minutes.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings, then select Windows Update from the left pane.
- Click Update history, then scroll down and select Uninstall updates.
- Find the update by its KB number (such as KB5101650) and click Uninstall next to it.
- Click Yes to confirm, then wait for Windows to remove the update.
- Wait a few moments for the uninstall to complete. After uninstalling the update, restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved.
That’s it. The selected Windows Update has now been removed from your Windows 11 PC.
Note: If you are a Windows 10 user, Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates, then remove the update by its KB number.
Uninstall Windows Updates Using Command Prompt
If you know the KB number of the update you want to remove, Command Prompt provides a quick way to uninstall it without opening the Settings app.
Open an elevated Command Prompt:
- Open the Start menu, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes if the User Account Control (UAC) prompted.
- Now type the command wmic qfe list brief /format: table and press the Enter key to display the update history or installed Windows update list.
Note: WMIC has been deprecated in recent versions of Windows 11, but it still works on many systems. If the command isn’t available, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history to find the KB number instead.
- In the list of updates that appear, locate the problematic update using its “HotfixID”. (This corresponds to the KB number, for example, KB5101650).
- Then type the command wusa /uninstall /kb:HotFixID and press Enter to uninstall the update from your computer.
Note: In the command below, replace ” KBhotfixid ” with the KB number corresponding to the update you wish to uninstall. For example, the following command will remove the update KB5101650:
wusa /uninstall /KB:5101650
Click Yes if prompted, then restart your computer after the uninstall is complete. Once your PC restarts, check whether the issue has been resolved.
Uninstall Windows Updates from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If your PC won’t start after installing a Windows update, you can remove the latest update from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This recovery tool lets you uninstall a faulty update even when Windows won’t boot normally.
Option 1: If Windows still starts occasionally
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run the following command: shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
- Your PC will restart directly into the Windows Recovery Environment.
Option 2: If Windows won’t boot
- Boot your PC using a Windows 11 installation USB.
- On the Windows Setup screen, click Repair your computer in the bottom-left corner.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Finally, you will see the Advanced Options screen, which includes options such as Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, and more.
Remove the Latest Quality Update
- In the Advanced options screen, click Uninstall Updates.
- Click Uninstall the latest quality update.
- Confirm the uninstall and wait for Windows to complete the process.
- Restart your PC normally.
If the update was responsible for the startup problem, Windows should boot normally after the restart.
Note: WinRE can only remove the latest quality update. If you’re trying to uninstall an older update, start Windows normally and remove it from Settings or Command Prompt instead.
Uninstall Windows Updates from Safe Mode
If Windows starts but keeps crashing, freezing, or restarting before you can uninstall an update, Safe Mode can help. It starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, making it easier to remove a problematic update without interference from third-party software or startup programs.
Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode
- On the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key, then select Power > Restart.
- When you see Choose an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to start Windows in Safe Mode.
Uninstall the update in Safe Mode
Once you’re in Safe Mode:
- Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs > Programs and Features, then click View installed updates in the left pane.
- Select the Windows update you want to remove (for example, KB5101650) and click Uninstall.
- Confirm the uninstall if prompted, then restart your computer normally.
If the update was causing the crashes or startup problems, Windows should now load normally.
Tip: If you can access the Settings app without any issues, uninstalling the update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history is usually the faster option. Safe Mode is mainly useful when Windows is unstable or keeps crashing.
After Uninstalling a Windows Update
After removing the update, restart your computer and check whether the original problem has been resolved. If your PC is working normally again, you can continue using Windows, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Windows May Reinstall the Update
Most cumulative and security updates are installed automatically through Windows Update. If you uninstall a problematic update, Windows may download and install it again during the next update check.
If Microsoft hasn’t released a fix yet, you can temporarily delay updates:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, choose a pause period (up to 5 weeks).
This gives Microsoft time to release a revised update that fixes the reported issues.
Install the Fixed Update When Available
Uninstalling an update should only be a temporary solution. Once Microsoft releases a corrected version, install it to keep your PC protected with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
Can’t Uninstall a Windows Update?
If Windows won’t let you remove an update, don’t panic. This can happen if the update is currently in use, Windows files are corrupted, or the update cannot be uninstalled.
Try these solutions:
- Restart your computer and try uninstalling the update again.
- Use Safe Mode if Windows keeps freezing or crashing during the uninstall.
- Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) if Windows won’t boot after installing the update.
- Check whether it’s a Servicing Stack Update (SSU). These updates support the Windows Update process and generally can’t be removed.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update, then try uninstalling the update again.
If you’re still unable to remove the update, wait for Microsoft to release a newer cumulative update, as it often includes fixes for problems introduced in previous releases.
Conclusion
A faulty Windows update can sometimes cause unexpected problems, but it’s usually easy to remove using the right method. If Windows starts normally, uninstall the update from Settings or Command Prompt. If your PC won’t boot, use WinRE or Safe Mode to restore your system, then reinstall the update once Microsoft releases a stable version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Uninstalling a cumulative Windows update removes the update itself but does not delete your personal files, documents, photos, or installed apps. However, it’s still a good idea to back up important data before making system changes.
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and check the updates installed just before the issue started. If the problem began immediately after installing a specific KB update, uninstalling that update is often the quickest way to confirm whether it’s the cause.
If Windows won’t start normally, use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to uninstall the latest quality update. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try System Restore or Startup Repair from the same recovery menu.
Yes. Windows Update usually reinstalls important security and cumulative updates automatically. If the update is still causing problems, you can temporarily pause updates until Microsoft releases a corrected version.
No. Most cumulative updates can be removed, but some updates, such as Servicing Stack Updates (SSUs), cannot be uninstalled because they are required for Windows Update to function correctly.
If the update is causing serious issues such as crashes, boot failures, or missing features, uninstalling it is usually the best temporary solution. Once Microsoft releases a revised update, install it to keep your PC secure and up to date.
