Information

A Windows update causing programs to not function or causes a blue screen error to pop up during operation. The problem may be a faulty update or device driver which needs to be removed to fix the problem.

Deciding what updates to remove

You can uninstall updates that may have caused the issue. Depending on the nature of the problem you may wish to focus on certain types of updates using the criteria below:

• If the update is causing a blue screen error you may wish to look at any recent driver updates that have been installed as device level errors are more likely to cause a blue screen error. If a device driver update is identified use Disable device driver updates to fix the issue more permanently.
• If the problem is affecting other software so that it is no longer work or launching then you should attempt to uninstall the most recent security updates that were installed to attempt to fix the problem

Windows 10

1. Click Windows button to open Start menu and choose Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Then click View Update History.
3. Click Uninstall Updates.
4. In the Update History window right click any recent updates that have been applied and click Uninstall in the pop-up.

Windows 11

1. Click the Start button and choose Settings > Windows Update > Update History.
2. Then click Uninstall Updates to show the installed updates.
3. In the list identify updates that may have caused the problem and click the Uninstall button to the right of each update.
4. When the pop-up appears click Uninstall again to remove the update.

Removeing an update in Safe Mode

This process may be required if the error or blue screen happens so soon after startup you cannot remove the update whilst Windows is running normally.

Method 1: Reboot into safe made from Settings app.

1. Click Start button Settings > Update and Security.
2. Then click Recovery on the left-hand pane of the settings Window.
3. The click Restart button under “Advanced Startup” section.
4. The computer will restart and give further options, please choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Press the number associated with Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking to start in safe mode.
6. Then use the instructions appropriate to your operating system (above) to uninstall the update.

Method 2: Reboot to safe mode from sign-in screen

If your error prevents you from working after signing into Windows you can use this method to reboot into safe mode.

1. At the sign in screen click the Power button symbol.
2. Then hold down the shift key whilst click the option Restart to reboot into safe mode.
3. The computer will restart and give further options, please choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Press the number associated with Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking to start in safe mode.
5. Then use the instructions appropriate to your operating system (above) to uninstall the update.

Method 2: Directly bott info Safe Mode to conduct update uninstallation.

If the blue screen happens even before the sign in screen it may be necessary to exploit a feature that causes Windows to run the Windows Recovery environment after three failed boot attemptes (below).

1. With the computer powered on press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to power down.
2. As you see the manufacturer logo or Windows loading press the and hold Power button for 10 seconds to power down again.
3. Repeat steps 1 through 2 another two times.
4. Power on the machine once again (after the three forced shutdowns) and the Windows Recovery environment should load.
5. Then when the blue screen of options appears choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
6. Then press 5 on the number row or F5 key to enter Safe Mode.
7. When prompted select the user you wish to login as and supply the system password to proceed into Windows.
8. Then follow the instructions appropriate to your Windows operating system (above) to remove the updates.