Windows errors

Windows Update shows 'Undoing changes' and then fails

After installing an update and restarting, the PC shows 'Undoing changes made to your computer' or 'Failure configuring Windows updates, reverting changes,' meaning the update failed to apply and Windows is rolling it back.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
30–90 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$0–$100

Symptoms

  • Screen specifically mentions undoing or reverting changes
  • Happens after a normal update restart
  • Eventually returns you to the desktop, but without the update installed
  • May repeat on the next scheduled update attempt

Likely causes

  • CommonUpdate installation encountered a conflict or error mid-processThis message is Windows's built-in safety mechanism reacting to a failed install.
  • CommonCorrupted update filesA bad download can cause the install to fail partway through, triggering a rollback.
  • PossibleThird-party antivirus or security software interferenceSome security tools block file changes the updater needs to make.
  • PossibleInsufficient disk spaceRunning out of space partway through an install triggers this exact rollback behavior.
  • PossibleCorrupted system files unrelated to the specific updateUnderlying file damage can cause any update to fail and roll back.

What to do

  1. Let the 'Undoing changes' process complete fully without interrupting it, even if it takes 20–30 minutes.
  2. Once back at the desktop, check Settings > System > Storage and free up space if it's below roughly 20GB free.
  3. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software, then manually check for updates again through Settings > Windows Update.
  4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  5. Clear the update cache by stopping the 'wuauserv' service, renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, and restarting the service, as described for other update errors.
  6. Run 'sfc /scannow' and 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' to rule out unrelated system file corruption.
  7. If the same specific update keeps failing and reverting, search Microsoft's release health dashboard for known issues with that update before retrying.

When to call a pro

If the same update keeps reverting after freeing space, disabling antivirus, and clearing the cache, a technician can investigate a deeper compatibility or corruption issue.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.