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What to Do When Windows Update Restarts and Rolls Back

Experiencing Windows updates that restart and then roll back? This article guides you through troubleshooting steps to fix the problem, ensuring your updates install smoothly.

3 min read
A laptop screen showing a rollback message after a failed Windows update.

If your Windows update restarts and then rolls back, it's likely due to issues such as incompatible drivers, insufficient disk space, or corrupted update files. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot and resolve these issues by following a few straightforward steps.

Why does Windows update roll back?

Windows updates can roll back for various reasons. A common cause is incompatible drivers that do not support the new update. Insufficient disk space may also lead to rollback, as updates require a certain amount of available space to install correctly. Additionally, corrupted update files or problems with the Windows Update service can contribute to this issue.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, ensure you are using a version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, as these are the most current versions supported. Make sure you have administrative privileges to perform the necessary actions. It's also a good idea to back up your important files in case of unexpected issues.

How to troubleshoot the rollback issue

To troubleshoot the Windows update rollback, follow these steps:

  1. Check for error codes. If you see an error code during the rollback, note it down. This code can help guide you to specific solutions.
  1. Ensure your system is up to date. Open Settings, go to 'Update & Security,' and click on 'Check for updates.' Install any available updates before trying again.
  1. Free up disk space. Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space on your system drive. You can do this by removing unnecessary files or using disk cleanup tools.
  1. Update your drivers. Go to Device Manager, right-click on each device, and select 'Update driver.' Focus particularly on graphics and network adapters, as these are often involved in update issues.
A computer screen with visible error codes related to Windows updates.

How to verify if the issue is resolved

After following the troubleshooting steps, verify if the issue is resolved by checking your update history:

  1. Open Settings and go to 'Update & Security.'
  2. Click on 'Windows Update,' then 'View update history.'
  3. Look for the most recent updates to see if they installed successfully without rolling back.

If the updates show as successfully installed, the issue is likely resolved.

Preventing future update rollbacks

To reduce the chance of future update rollbacks, consider these practices:

  • Regularly update drivers. Keeping your drivers current can prevent compatibility issues with new updates.
  • Monitor disk space. Regularly check your disk space and clean up files to ensure enough space is available for updates.
  • Perform system maintenance. Run tools like Disk Cleanup and check your system for errors using the built-in Windows tools to keep it running smoothly.

When to seek additional help

If you continue to experience update rollbacks after troubleshooting, consider seeking additional help. You can visit the Microsoft support website or community forums for guidance. They offer various resources, including troubleshooting guides and forums where you can ask questions.

Conclusion

If you've followed these steps and still encounter issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.