How to uninstall installed Windows Update
After installing these updates, administrators have been battling multiple issues that can only be resolved after removing the updates. Windows Update delivers the latest patches, security fixes, and feature updates to ensure your system stays protected and up-to-date from Microsoft. In this article, you will learn how to uninstall installed Windows Update from Windows PCs. Please see Get a list of installed programs locally or remotely in Windows, how to unsinatll unwanted applications, and Cross Domain Folders Access: Reference account is Locked out
The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) investigates all reports of security vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft products and services. This includes issues related to Windows Updates. These updates address known vulnerabilities, improve system stability, and safeguard your environment from potential threats. Please see
MSRC also provides guidance on when uninstalling or deleting a Windows update may be necessary as part of ongoing efforts to manage security risks and protect your systems.
Also, see how to Configure WinRM to accept connection from a specific IP Address, and how to Perform Key Distribution Center Service [krbtgt] Password reset.
Why Uninstall a Windows Update?
You might want to uninstall a Windows Update (KB) if it causes system instability, compatibility issues with applications, or hardware malfunctions.
Sometimes, an update may introduce bugs or vulnerabilities that negatively impact performance or security. Uninstalling the update helps restore normal functionality until Microsoft releases a fix or a newer, stable update.
If there are issue, the only way to fix these issues is to uninstall the corresponding update for your Windows version.
Please see Enable Autologon and Autostart for user session, and How to Diagnose a Windows Hardware Issue.
Why can’t some Update be removed
Some Windows Updates cannot be removed with the methods shared below.
Some cumulative updates, security updates, or feature updates cannot be uninstalled once they are installed. This is because the “Cumulative updates bundle” multiple updates together. Therefore, uninstalling a specific KB will not be allowed if it is part of a larger package.
Also, Servicing Stack Updates (SSU) are also permanent to ensure system stability and security, and cannot be removed.
Please see How to query a list of installed programs in Windows, How to uninstall a program via command prompt in Windows, and How to install Amazon RDS using Terraform.
Uninstall Windows Updates via Control Panel
Open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features. Click on “View Installed Updates”.
All available updates will be displayed. You can now select the update and click on Uninstall.
As you can see, the update(s) is currently being uninstalled.
When the removal is complete, you will be required to reboot your PC.
Uninstall Windows Update via PowerShell or Command Prompt
Open PowerShell as Administrator. Hit the button Win + X, and select Windows PowerShell. Next, Run the following command to list installed updates, including KB numbers.
Get-HotFix
To uninstall an update, run the following command below. Do not forget to replace the KB in the command with your desired KB to uninstall.
wusa /uninstall /kb:5044281 /quiet /norestart
Note: The /quiet parameter suppresses user interaction, and /norestart prevents automatic reboot
Lastly, restart your PC after uninstalling the update
Restart-Computer
Bonus: Using Windows Management Instrumentation Command-(WMIC)
Note: WMIC is deprecated in newer versions of Windows Server. If you are using Windows Server 2022 or newer. The WMIC utility might not be available or fully functional. Also, Starting January 29, 2024, you’ll find Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) feature “disabled by default” on the insider build of Windows 11. According to Microsoft, the reason for phasing out the command line tool wmic.exe is that the WMIC tool is being superceeded by Windows PowerShell for WMI. Please see “Windows Management Instrumentation Commands” and “Query and display Windows information via WMI Explorer“.
Launch Command Prompt as an Administrator. Enter and run the following command to see a list of installed updates (KB numbers). The command below will display a list of installed updates and their corresponding HotFixID.
wmic qfe list brief /format:table
Once the KB is identified, use the following command below to uninstall the update.
wmic qfe where "HotFixID='KB5044281'" call uninstall
Alternatively, you could use DISM as well. Please see the command below.
dism /online /remove-package /PackageName:Package_for_KB5044281Since some updates require a PC restart to complete the uninstallation process. You will be prompted if a reboot is needed.
Reinstall Updates
Since this article was for demonstration purposes only. I will need to reinstall the updates as shown below.
I hope you found this blog post on how to uninstall installed Windows Update from Windows helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.
