How to Revert a Windows Update

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Denise Lasky | Updated: August 9, 2023

Category: Common Fixes | Tags: Remove, Uninstall, Update, version, Windows, Windows 10

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Windows periodically checks for the latest updates and security features for your devices. Automatic updates are implemented with the intention of running your device smoothly and securely. With top security in mind, most Liquid Web servers are set to automatically install these updates thus saving you the task of remembering to implement critical updates or patches.

The vast majority of the times, windows updates complete successfully, keeping you and your customers safe. These updates rarely cause any server issues, but you may find that you want to roll back an update due to an unforeseen server change. Fear not, in this tutorial we'll show you how to easily undo a Windows update on 2016, 2008R2 and 2012R2 servers.

Note

Liquid Web customers have the option to install automatic updates themselves. In these cases, security patches are updates fall under the responsibility of the account owner.

Server 2016 with Windows 10

Click on the Start button, search for Windows Update and hit Enter.
Go to View Update History and select Uninstall Updates. Click the update you are wanting to uninstall/remove. (Generally, these are the most recent installs.)
When the installed update window comes up, you can see the updates by name, KB number, type of program, version, and even the date of installation.
Select the update and choose Uninstall. Follow the on screen instructions.
Depending on the update, there may be a need to reboot the server to complete removal.
While you are still in the Windows Update screen, select the offending update and click Hide Update. ** Once the Update is fixed and it is safe to install, then you can go in and manually install it on your system.

Complete the removal of the update by rebooting the server.

Server 2008R2 and 2012R2 with Windows 7/8

Go to the Start button and select Control Panel.
Go to Programs >> Uninstalla program.
Select the program and right-click to Uninstall.
Select the update you would like to revert.
Select Yes to uninstall the selected update.
Select the Restart Now button.
While you are still in the Updates screen, select the offending update and right-click, to select Hide Update. ** To re-instate the update you can manually install it on your system.

Complete the removal of the update by rebooting the server.

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