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How to Fix Problems Caused by a Windows Update

Fixing a Windows update problem

Short answer: if a Windows update breaks something (email sync, an app, or the whole PC), you can usually fix it by uninstalling that specific update, then pausing updates so it does not reinstall immediately. For bigger breakage, System Restore or Startup Repair helps. Here is the step-by-step, useful for any bad update, not just one specific patch.

Step 1: Confirm the update caused it

If a problem started right after a Windows update (apps crashing, email not syncing, a device not working), the update is the likely cause. Check your update history: Settings > Windows Update > Update history, to see what recently installed.

Step 2: Uninstall the problem update

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
  2. Find the recently installed update (note the KB number).
  3. Select it and click Uninstall, then restart.
  4. Check whether the problem is resolved.

Step 3: Pause updates so it does not reinstall

After uninstalling, Windows may try to reinstall the same update. Pause updates for a week or two (Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates) to give Microsoft time to release a fix, then resume.

For email sync issues specifically

  • Remove and re-add the affected email account in the Mail app or your client.
  • Check the account's server settings are correct.
  • Ensure the Mail/Calendar app itself is updated from the Microsoft Store.

For bigger breakage: recovery tools

ProblemTool
System unstable after updateSystem Restore to a point before it
Won't bootStartup Repair (recovery environment)
Major update broke thingsRoll back within the recovery options

The non-obvious tip: a backup makes bad updates painless

The reason a bad update is stressful is having no way back. If you keep a system image or File History backup, you can restore to just before the update in minutes, no troubleshooting needed. Set up a backup once (File History plus an occasional image), and future problem updates become a quick restore instead of a crisis. Prevention beats cure for update trouble.

Frequently asked questions

How do I fix a problem caused by a Windows update?

Uninstall the specific update via Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, restart, then pause updates so it does not reinstall right away.

How do I uninstall a Windows update?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select the recent update by its KB number, click Uninstall, and restart.

My PC won't boot after an update, what do I do?

Use the recovery environment's Startup Repair, or System Restore to a point before the update. A system image backup lets you roll back quickly.

How do I stop a bad update from reinstalling?

After uninstalling it, pause Windows updates for a week or two so Microsoft can release a fix, then resume updates.

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