Windows · System
Review installed updates and uninstall them
Shows a chronological list of every update installed on this PC, including quality updates, feature updates, and driver updates, with the ability to uninstall problematic recent updates.
How to open Update History
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history
- Browse the list grouped by Quality, Driver, Definition, and other update types
- Click 'Uninstall updates' to open the list of removable recent updates
- Select the specific update and click Uninstall
What you should know
- View a chronological list of installed quality and feature updates
- See installation dates and update KB numbers
- Uninstall a recently installed update causing issues
- Access links to related update troubleshooting tools
Why it matters
Update History is essential for diagnosing when a problem started, since correlating a new issue with a recently installed update's date is often the fastest way to identify the cause. Being able to uninstall a specific problematic update, rather than resetting or reinstalling the entire system, can quickly resolve issues introduced by a buggy patch while Microsoft prepares a fix. For IT support scenarios, this page also provides the exact KB numbers needed to reference known issues in Microsoft's official documentation.
Best practices
- Check Update History first when troubleshooting a new issue that appeared after a restart
- Note the specific KB number when researching a known issue with a recent update
- Uninstall a recent update carefully, understanding it may be reinstalled automatically later unless paused
- Keep Update History as a reference before contacting support, since they'll often ask for recent update details
Common problems and fixes
- Uninstalled update reinstalls itself automatically
- Pause updates temporarily or use 'Windows Update' settings to defer the specific update while a fix is pending.
- Can't find a specific KB number in the list
- Some driver and definition updates may be grouped separately or listed under a different category in the history.
- Uninstall option isn't available for an update
- Some update types, particularly major feature updates and older quality updates, cannot be uninstalled after a certain period.
Tips and tricks
- Search a KB number from this page directly in a browser to quickly find Microsoft's official known issues documentation
- Cross-reference the update date with when a new problem started for fast troubleshooting
Frequently asked questions
How far back does Update History go?
It typically shows a substantial history of recent updates, though very old entries may eventually be trimmed.
Can I uninstall a feature update from here?
Feature updates are generally uninstalled through Recovery options within 10 days of installation, not directly from Update History.
Does uninstalling an update remove its security fixes?
Yes, so only uninstall an update if it's causing a specific problem outweighing the security benefit temporarily.
Related settings
- Windows UpdateWindows Update allows you to download and install the latest security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Keeping your system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.
- Pause UpdatesLets you temporarily halt the download and installation of Windows updates for a set period, useful when you need a stable, unchanged system for a presentation, event, or compatibility testing.
- Optional Updates & Driver UpdatesLists optional updates not automatically installed, including driver updates from hardware manufacturers, feature previews, and monthly non-security quality updates you can choose to install manually.
More System guides for Windows
- Power & SleepPower & Sleep settings let you control when your screen turns off and when your device goes to sleep while idle. Adjusting these settings can help balance battery life and performance.
- Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
- Delivery OptimizationConfigures Delivery Optimization, which lets your PC download Windows Update and app files from other PCs on your network or the internet in addition to Microsoft's servers, and optionally share your own downloaded updates with others.
- Windows Insider ProgramLets you enroll this PC in the Windows Insider Program to receive pre-release Windows builds ahead of general availability, choosing a channel that matches your appetite for new features versus stability.
- Active HoursLets you define a time window during which Windows will avoid automatically restarting the PC to install updates, ensuring you're not interrupted during typical working or usage hours.
- Windows Update Advanced OptionsCentralizes advanced Windows Update controls, including updating other Microsoft products alongside Windows, restart notifications, metered connection behavior, and download prioritization.