Windows updates are essential for maintaining system security, improving performance, and introducing new features. However, sometimes updates can cause unexpected issues, from slow performance and crashing apps to blue screen errors. If a recent update is causing problems on your PC, there are simple solutions to get your system back on track. Here are three easy ways to fix problems caused by Windows updates.
1. Uninstall the Problematic Update
If you started experiencing issues immediately after a recent update, uninstalling it can often resolve the problem. This method is straightforward and helps if the update contains bugs or incompatibility issues.
How to Uninstall an Update:
- Open Settings – Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Update & Security – Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.
- View Update History – Select View update history to see a list of installed updates.
- Uninstall Updates – Click on Uninstall updates at the top. This will open the Control Panel window showing installed updates.
- Select the Problematic Update – Right-click the update that caused issues and click Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove it.
Tip: If you are unsure which update is causing problems, sort updates by date and uninstall the most recent one.
2. Use System Restore
System Restore allows you to roll back your computer to a previous state before the problematic update was installed. This method is effective when uninstalling the update doesn’t fix the issue or if you aren’t sure which update caused the problem.
How to Perform a System Restore:
- Open System Properties – Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and click on it.
- Launch System Restore – In the System Properties window, click the System Restore button.
- Choose a Restore Point – Select a restore point dated before the update was installed. Click Next and follow the instructions.
- Restart Your PC – Your system will restart and restore to the selected point.
Note: System Restore will not affect your personal files but may uninstall recently installed apps or drivers.
3. Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to detect and fix problems caused by updates. This method is simple and automated, making it ideal for users who prefer an easy fix.
How to Run the Troubleshooter:
- Open Settings – Press Windows + I and go to Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot – In the left-hand menu, click on Troubleshoot.
- Additional Troubleshooters – Click on Additional troubleshooters and choose Windows Update.
- Run the Troubleshooter – Follow the prompts to let Windows detect and resolve any update-related problems.
Why It Works:
The troubleshooter can automatically detect missing files, corrupted updates, or misconfigurations and fix them without uninstalling updates.
Additional Tips for Update Issues:
- Check for New Updates – Sometimes Microsoft releases patches quickly to address problematic updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for new updates.
- Boot into Safe Mode – If your PC won’t start properly, boot into Safe Mode and uninstall the update from there.
- Pause Updates – If you consistently encounter problems with updates, consider pausing automatic updates temporarily. Go to Windows Update and select Pause updates for 7 days.
- Free Up Space – Lack of storage can cause update errors. Delete unnecessary files or move data to an external drive to create more space.
FAQs: Fixing Problems Caused by Windows Updates
1. Why do Windows updates cause problems on my PC?
Windows updates can sometimes introduce bugs, incompatibilities with certain drivers or software, or fail to install correctly, leading to performance issues, crashes, or errors.
2. How do I know which update is causing the issue?
Check Settings > Update & Security > View update history to see recently installed updates. If problems began after the latest update, that update is likely the cause.
3. Is it safe to uninstall Windows updates?
Yes, uninstalling problematic updates is generally safe. Windows will reinstall critical updates later. However, uninstalling security updates may temporarily expose your system to vulnerabilities, so proceed with caution.
4. Will System Restore delete my files?
No, System Restore will not delete personal files like photos or documents. However, it may uninstall recent apps, drivers, or updates installed after the restore point was created.
5. How often should I check for new Windows updates after uninstalling one?
Check for updates weekly to ensure that any bug fixes or patches released by Microsoft are installed. You can do this in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
6. Can I prevent problematic updates from reinstalling automatically?
Yes, after uninstalling the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced options and pause updates for up to 35 days. This prevents immediate reinstallation.
7. What if my computer won’t boot after a Windows update?
Try booting into Safe Mode by restarting your PC and holding Shift while selecting Restart from the power menu. From there, uninstall the update or perform a System Restore.
8. How do I know if there are new updates to fix the issue?
Visit Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Alternatively, visit Microsoft’s official update page for announcements on patches and bug fixes.
9. What should I do if none of the fixes work?
If none of the methods resolve the issue, consider resetting your PC. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose to keep your files or perform a clean install.
10. Can I permanently disable Windows updates?
While it is possible to disable updates, it’s not recommended as you may miss critical security patches. Instead, pause updates temporarily or defer feature updates to avoid disruptions.
Conclusion
While Windows updates can occasionally cause issues, the solutions are often simple. Uninstalling problematic updates, using System Restore, and running the Windows Update Troubleshooter are the most effective ways to fix update-related problems. By following these steps, you can quickly restore your PC’s stability and ensure smoother updates in the future.
