Windows 11 version 24H2 is the latest feature update, rolling out to compatible devices with new features, performance upgrades, and security enhancements. This update is often delivered via an enablement package for devices running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2, making installation quick. However, not every update is welcome. Sometimes you may experience bugs, performance issues, or compatibility problems after installing the latest feature update. In such cases, it’s important to know how to uninstall a Windows 11 feature update and roll back to a stable version.
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How to Uninstall Windows 11 Feature Update
You can rollback or uninstall the recent Windows 11 feature update from Windows Update settings or the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). If, after recent Windows upgrade, or update you can’t access Windows normally, you can uninstall it from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
- Well, you can roll back to your previous version (e.g., Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2) within 10 days of installing 24H2, as Windows retains the Windows.old folder during this period. After 10 days, a clean installation of the previous version is required.
- Unlike some previous updates (e.g., Windows 11 23H2), 24H2 is not an enablement package, so you cannot uninstall it via the “Uninstall updates” option in Settings or Command Prompt. It requires a full rollback via recovery options.
- Always back up critical data before attempting to uninstall or roll back to avoid data loss.
Roll Back Windows 11 Feature Update via Settings
This is the primary method to revert to your previous Windows version within 10 days of upgrading to 24H2.
- Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Recovery. Under Recovery options, click on Go back. (only available within 10 days of the update).
- When Windows asks for feedback, share your thoughts like “My apps or devices don’t work” or “I prefer the previous version, or you can skip it and click next.
- Click No, thanks when prompted to check for updates.
- Acknowledge that changes made after the 24H2 upgrade (e.g., new settings or files) will be lost.
- Ensure you know the password for your previous user account, as it may be required to log in after rollback.
- Click Next, then go back to the earlier build to start the rollback process.
The rollback may take 30–60 minutes, depending on your system. Your PC will restart, and upon completion, it will boot to the previous version (e.g., 23H2 or 22H2). IF you have recently upgraded from Windows 10 to 11, this rollback process will revert your system to Windows 10.
Roll Back Windows 11 24H2 via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If, after the recent upgrade, you cannot access Settings or the rollback option fails, use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
- Boot your computer and enter the Windows Recovery Environment
- In the WinRE interface, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
- Choose Uninstall the latest feature update.
- Next enter, user account credentials if prompted.
- Select a reason for uninstalling and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The system will roll back to the previous version and restart.
Note: If you have BitLocker enabled, you might need to provide your recovery key to proceed with uninstallation from WinRE. See Find your BitLocker recovery key.
Clean Installation of Previous Version (After 10 Days)
If the 10-day rollback window has passed or the Windows.old folder is deleted, you must perform a clean installation of the previous Windows version.
- First, backup all critical files to an external drive or cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive).
- Next, you need to visit the Microsoft website (https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11) and download the ISO file for Windows 11 23H2 or Windows 10 (e.g., 22H2).
- Use a tool like Rufus or the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB with the downloaded ISO.
Boot from the USB drive (adjust BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize USB boot). Follow the setup wizard to install the previous version, choosing to format the system drive for a clean install.
This method wipes all data on the system drive, so ensure backups are complete.
How to uninstall Windows Update in Windows 11
Well, if you are looking to uninstall a regular Windows 11 update, such as a monthly cumulative or security update, rather than a feature update like 24H2.
Open Settings with Windows key + I, go to Windows Update > Update history, and scroll to Related settings to click Uninstall updates.
Here you will get the recently installed update KB number with the installed date. Select the one and click uninstall. Confirm the action and restart your PC when prompted.
This method is ideal for removing problematic updates causing issues like app crashes or performance slowdowns, but it does not apply to feature updates, which require the rollback methods described above.
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