Windows 11 version 26H2, also known as the Windows 11 2026 Update, is rolling out to eligible PCs running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Unlike a traditional full feature upgrade, Microsoft delivers 26H2 to these versions through a small enablement package (KB5121794) that activates features already included in recent monthly updates. Although the installation is relatively small, you may still want to remove Windows 11 26H2 if you encounter compatibility problems, application errors, driver issues, or other problems after the update. Well, if your PC was upgraded from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 using the 26H2 enablement package, you can generally remove KB5121794 from Windows Update and return to the previous Windows version. This guide explains how to uninstall Windows 11 26H2, roll back to 24H2 or 25H2, and what to do if the uninstall option is no longer available.

How Windows 11 26H2 Is Installed

Before uninstalling 26H2, it is important to understand how the update was installed.

Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share a common core operating system and the same system files. On 24H2 and 25H2, many of the 26H2 features are already included in recent cumulative updates but remain inactive.

KB5121794 is an enablement package that enables those features and updates Windows to version 26H2. Microsoft describes it as a small, quick-to-install package that requires a single restart.

This is important when uninstalling 26H2, as the rollback process can differ from a full Windows version upgrade. If your PC received 26H2 through KB5121794, you can remove that package and return to the previous 24H2 or 25H2 version.

1. Uninstall Windows 11 26H2 From Windows Update

If you upgraded from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 to 26H2 through the KB5121794 enablement package, you can remove the package from Windows Update.

Before starting, save your work and back up important files.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Update history.
4. Scroll down and select Uninstall updates.

1. Look for Feature Enablement for Windows (Ge) – KB5121794.
2. Click Uninstall next to the update.
3. Confirm the removal when prompted.
4. Restart your PC.

After the restart, Windows should return to the version you were using before 26H2, such as Windows 11 25H2 or 24H2. The exact entry can vary slightly depending on the Windows build and interface.

Important: This method applies when 26H2 was installed through the enablement package. If you performed a clean installation of Windows 11 26H2 or used a different installation method, KB5121794 may not be available to uninstall.

2. Roll Back Windows 11 26H2 Using the “Go back” Option

If your PC was upgraded from an older Windows version, such as Windows 11 23H2, to a newer feature update, Windows may show a Go back option in Recovery settings.

For example, if your PC originally ran Windows 11 23H2 and was later upgraded to 24H2 or 26H2, you may see an option such as Go back that allows you to return to the previous Windows installation, provided the required recovery files are still available.

However, this is different from the 26H2 enablement package used on eligible 24H2 and 25H2 PCs. If 26H2 was enabled through KB5121794, removing that package may be the more appropriate rollback method.

To check whether the option is available:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Recovery.
• Look under Recovery options.
• If Go back is available, click it. (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.

• When Windows asks whether you want to check for updates, you can select No, thanks to continue.

• Read the information about what will happen and click Next.
• Select Go back to the earlier build.

Your PC will restart several times during the process. When the rollback finishes, Windows should revert to the version installed before 26H2.

The rollback can remove applications, drivers, and settings changes made after the upgrade, so back up important files before starting.

3. Roll Back Windows 11 26H2 Using Windows Recovery Environment

If Windows 11 26H2 is causing startup problems and you cannot access the desktop, you can try uninstalling the feature update from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

To access WinRE:

• On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
• If Windows cannot reach the sign-in screen, Windows may automatically enter the recovery environment after repeated failed starts.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

• Choose Uninstall latest feature update if the option is available.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback.

Windows will restart after the process finishes.

If BitLocker is enabled, Windows may ask for your BitLocker recovery key before allowing access to recovery options. See Find your BitLocker recovery key.

If the feature-update uninstall option is missing or the rollback cannot be completed, the files required to return to the previous version may no longer be available. In that situation, use the recovery or reinstall options described below.

4. Reinstall the Previous Windows Version

If KB5121794 is not listed, Go back is unavailable, and WinRE does not offer the feature-update uninstall option, Windows may no longer have the files required to return to the previous version.

This can happen after the rollback period expires or when the previous Windows installation files have been removed.

At this point, repeatedly trying to uninstall a normal cumulative update will not restore 25H2 or 24H2. You may need to use Windows recovery options or reinstall the previous Windows version.

Before taking that step, check Settings > Windows Update > Update history and confirm that KB5121794 was actually the package used to enable 26H2.

5. Reinstall the Previous Windows Version (After 10 Days)

If the built-in rollback options are no longer available, a clean installation may be necessary to return to the previous Windows version.

For example, if your PC was running Windows 11 25H2 before upgrading to 26H2, you would need Windows 11 25H2 installation media. If the PC was previously running 24H2, use the appropriate 24H2 installation media.

• First, back up 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 25H2 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.

Can Windows 11 26H2 Install Again?

Removing 26H2 does not permanently prevent Microsoft from offering the update again.

If your device remains eligible and Microsoft offers 26H2 through Windows Update, the feature update may appear again later.

If you rolled back because of a compatibility problem, it is better to identify the underlying issue first rather than repeatedly installing and removing the update.

Microsoft can also use safeguard holds to temporarily prevent feature updates from being offered to devices affected by known compatibility problems.

Frequently Asked Questions