How To Resolve the ‘Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled’ Error

Getting that ‘Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled’ error pop up is kinda annoying, isn’t it? Sometimes, Windows just decides to leave stubborn updates hanging or gets confused about what it’s allowed to remove. If you’ve tried clicking the uninstall button, maybe it seemed to work briefly, then boom — this error shows up, and you’re stuck. These methods below are pretty much what saved a few systems I worked on where updates refused to budge. They’re not foolproof, but hey, they often do the trick when nothing else does. Basically, you’re trying to outsmart Windows’ own update system, which can be a pain because of permissions, corrupted files, or malware messing up the process. Now, let’s see what steps might actually help clear this roadblock.

How to Fix ‘Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled’ in Windows 10/11

Use PowerShell to Uninstall Stubborn Updates

This one’s handy because sometimes Windows’ built-in uninstaller just isn’t enough. PowerShell can bypass the GUI and directly target problematic updates. Why? Well, it allows you to list all installed updates (hotfixes) and then uninstall specific ones based on their KB numbers. It’s perfect if you know exactly which update is causing probs or just wanna clean house.

When it applies: You see the error when trying to rid yourself of certain updates, and standard uninstall methods fail or give errors.

What you’ll see: The update gets marked for removal or, if lucky, uninstalled successfully after a restart.

• Type PowerShell in the Windows Search bar, right-click, and select Run as administrator. Yeah, you’ll need admin rights for this.
• In PowerShell, run: wmic qfe list brief /format:table. This command pulls up a list of all installed updates.
• Find the KB number of the update you wanna get rid of—look for KBxxxxx style.
• Now, execute: wusa /uninstall /kb:number. Replace number with that KB you noted. For example, wusa /uninstall /kb:5001234.
• A prompt will pop up asking if you want to proceed. Hit Yes. Keep in mind, you’re gonna have to restart afterward.

On some setups, this works on the first try, but on others, it takes a couple of attempts or a reboot before Windows finally lets go of the update. Not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but it’s worth a shot.

Try DISM to Remove Updates Directly from the System

DISM is mainly for fixing corrupt system files, but it can also force out stubborn updates that refuse to uninstall. Kind of weird, but it’s a last resort when PowerShell or the normal uninstaller gets stubborn.

When to use this: When updates refuse to go away even after multiple uninstall tries or if the system’s acting wonky.

What to expect: Small progress message, then reboot, and hopefully, the update is gone. Works better if the update’s been partially installed or corrupted.

• Open the Start menu, type cmd or Command Prompt, right-click and choose Run as administrator.
• Type: DISM /Online /Get-Packages | clip. This copies all installed packages to your clipboard.
• Paste the output into Notepad (CTRL + V).Use it to find the exact Package ID of the update you want gone.
• Copy the Package ID (something like *Package_for_KBXXXXX*).
• Back in the Command Prompt, run: dism /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:Package_ID. Swap out Package_ID with the one you found.
• Once you see the message that the package is removed, restart the PC. Fingers crossed, it’s gone.

This approach sometimes clears updates that stubbornly hang even after multiple uninstall attempts. Just remember, this isn’t a magic bullet, but it helps when standard methods fail. Make sure to restart after each attempt.

Reset Windows Update Components Like a Boss

Ever had Windows Update just act up and refuse to do anything? Resetting the components often does the trick because Windows’ update system can get corrupted or stuck. It’s nifty if you want a fresh start without reinstalling.

When it helps: When update issues are tied to broken cache files or stuck services.

Expect: The update system resets, removing cached update files, and hopefully clears the error.

• Open PowerShell as administrator again.
• Run these commands one by one:
• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver
• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

These commands temporarily stop update services, rename the cache folders (which resets the stored updates), then restart the services. After that, restart your PC, then try uninstalling or updating again.

Restart Windows Update Service

Sometimes, just restarting the service alone can fix weird update errors. Easy and quick to do, and often surprisingly effective.

When to try: If the update troubles persist even after resetting components or using DISM.

What to expect: Fresh start for the Windows Update service, hopefully fixing the problem.

• Open the Services app (search for Services in Windows Search).
• Locate Windows Update in the list.
• Right-click and select Restart.

After that, head over to Settings > Windows Update and check if the problem’s gone or if updates are now uninstallable.

Perform a Clean Boot for a Fresh Start

Sometimes third-party apps or services can interfere with Windows updates. Doing a clean boot disables all non-essential stuff, giving you a clearer shot at uninstalling or updating.

When it helps: When you suspect background apps are blocking uninstalling updates or causing errors.

What you’ll see: Windows starts only with default drivers and essential services—less clutter, less interference.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig.msc, hit Enter.
• Go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable All.
• Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab.
• Right-click each third-party app (or disable all at once) and choose Disable.
• Restart your PC. You’ll be booting into a minimal environment, which might help you uninstall stubborn updates.

Remember to revert these changes after troubleshooting, or your system might miss some apps or services later.

Modify Registry Values — Not for the Faint-Hearted

This is kinda last-ditch. Messing with the registry can do more harm than good if you’re not careful, so do a backup first. Sometimes, certain registry entries block updates or uninstalls. Tweaking them might break things, but it can also resolve weird errors if nothing else works.

When it applies: When all else has failed, and you’re comfortable editing the registry.

Expect: Small tweaks in system behavior—sometimes fixing update errors or removal issues.

• Open Registry Editor (search for regedit), and back it up first (File > Export).
• Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print.
• Right-click the Print folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Name it RPCAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled.
• Double-click that key, set its value to 0, then click OK.

Changes take effect after restart. Seriously, be careful—wrong tweaks can mess up your system further.

Scan for Malware or Viruses

Malicious software can mess with Windows Update functionalities — it’s kinda their thing. If updates just refuse to uninstall, maybe some sneaky malware is involved. Running a full scan with Windows Security or your favorite antivirus might find nasty stuff causing the trouble.

When to do this: After all else, especially if System suddenly acts weird or updates don’t behave.

Expect: The antivirus to find and quarantine/remove threats, possibly fixing the update issues as a side effect.

• Open Windows Security (just type it in Windows Search).
• Select Virus & Threat Protection.
• Click Scan Options and pick Full Scan.
• Hit Scan Now and let it work. Might take a while, so grab coffee.

Because of course, malware has to make Windows more complicated than it needs to be.

Summary

• Use PowerShell to target specific updates directly.
• Try DISM for stubborn update removal.
• Reset Windows Update components via commands.
• Restart the update service to clear glitches.
• Perform a clean boot to disable third-party interference.
• Edit registry entries as a last resort.
• Run a malware scan if you suspect infections.

Wrap-up

Basically, resolving this update uninstall error often requires a combination of these fixes. Not every method works on every machine, but trying them in order can eventually get rid of the message. It’s frustrating, sure, but patience and methodical troubleshooting usually pay off. If none of these work, there’s always the option of a fresh Windows install, but that’s a last resort. Fingers crossed this helps — it’s saved me more than once.