Rolling back a Windows 10 update can be a total lifesaver if your recent upgrade is causing more trouble than it’s worth. Sometimes, those updates introduce bugs, break certain apps, or just make your system behave weirdly. This guide’s supposed to help you get back to that trusty previous version without doing a full reinstall—though, honestly, it’s kinda annoying how Windows makes that process slightly tricky, especially after 10 days. So, if your system suddenly acts up after an update, here’s how to try rolling it back, step by step, with some little tips thrown in from real-world experience.
How to Roll Back Windows 10 Update
Check if the rollback option is still available and then start the process
First off, this only works if you’ve done the update within the last ten days. After that, Windows kinda yanks the rollback option to force you into installing the latest version or doing a clean install. If the option is there, great. If not, you’ll have to go for system restore or maybe a fresh install—both not ideal, but sometimes necessary.
To start, open Settings by clicking the Start menu and then the gear icon. From there, go to Update & Security.
Find the Recovery section and get ready to roll back
Click on Recovery from the sidebar. If your system is still within the 10-day window, you’ll see the option titled Go back to the previous version of Windows 10. It’s often hidden if that period has passed, so double-check the timestamp on your last update, because Windows decides to hide this feature after a while.
Click Get started. This opens a prompt that explains what will happen—mostly, you’ll be reverting to the older build, losing some features from the latest update. Expect a brief count-down or a question about why you’re rolling back—because of course, Windows has to make it a bit more personal than just clicking a button.
Follow the on-screen prompts—sometimes things get weird here
Windows will ask for a reason why you’re rolling back, and you’ll need to hit Next. Make sure all your work is saved because this process will close all apps. Expect the system to restart a couple of times—sometimes it’s quick, other times, it feels like it stalls. If you notice it hanging or crashing, don’t panic—try rebooting and repeating, because on some setups, this process is kinda fragile.
Why does it help? Because this method restores your PC to the build before the last update, removing whatever broke or caused instability. Expect your system to revert to an earlier version of Windows 10, which hopefully resolves the issues caused by the recent update.
Tips for How to Roll Back Windows 10 Update
- Backup your personal files first — just in case something weird happens during the rollback.
- If the rollback option is missing, it might be overdue or because Windows erases that data after a certain time. In that case, restoring from a full system backup or clean installing might be the only options.
- After rolling back, it’s a good idea to pause Windows Updates for a little while—set it to “metered connection” or pause updates manually, so you don’t get the same patch that caused the chaos.
- In case this option isn’t there anymore, some folks try using third-party tools like GitHub: Winhance or look into restoring from system restore points if they set those up earlier.
- Whenever possible, keep an eye out for later updates or cumulative patches that fix the bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I decide to roll back a Windows update?
Basically, within 10 days of the update. Windows usually sticks a timer on that rollback button—after which, it’s bye-bye. So, don’t wait too long if things are crashing or just not working right.
Will I lose important files if I revert?
Generally no—your personal data shouldn’t be touched, but just in case, it’s better to have a backup. Some apps installed after the update might need reinstalling, so keep that in mind.
Can I go back to a way older version than the previous build?
Not directly through this feature; it only goes to the last installed version. For older ones, you’d have to rely on a system image backup or some fancy recovery tools.
What if the rollback isn’t an option anymore?
If that’s the case, restore from a backup if you have one, or you might need to do a clean install from scratch. Those are not fun, but sometimes necessary.
How can I stop problematic updates from messing up my system next time?
Pause updates temporarily or set your connection as metered to control what downloads. Also, keep an eye on the release notes for upcoming patches that address issues before updating.
Summary
- Check if the rollback option is still visible in Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- If available, click Get started under Go back to the previous version of Windows 10.
- Follow prompts, restart, and be patient—sometimes it takes a couple of attempts for everything to stick.
- Back up your stuff before starting, just in case.
- Afterwards, consider pausing updates to avoid reinstalling the same buggy patch.
Wrap-up
Nothing’s perfect, especially Windows updates. Rolling back isn’t always fun — sometimes it takes a bit of messing around or waiting out the window timer — but it’s often the quickest fix when new bugs pop up. On one system it worked first try, on another, it just refused to show the rollback option after 10 days. Not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but hey, at least it’s worth a shot.
Hopefully, this saves someone a headache or two. Just keep your backups handy, and don’t be shy about exploring alternative recovery options if needed. Good luck—fingers crossed this helps!