Whenever updates arrive, Windows tries to install them, but sometimes it ends up with the message We couldn’t complete this update. Undoing changes. Don’t turn off your computer. In this guide, we will tell you the various methods to fix the error.
What Causes the Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer Error?
Software problems are generally the leading cause behind Windows Updates not working correctly on your computer. It may also occur due to several reasons. The most common of issues are:
- Windows Update couldn’t download smoothly – If the Windows update file that it was trying to install could not download correctly for whatever reason, it can cause the issue.
- Lack of sufficient disk space – Usually, you need some free space to install the Windows updates. In some cases, when you don’t have enough room for the update on your system volume, the update will not be established, triggering the error message.
- Corruption of system files – Another factor that the issue rises can be your system’s corrupt files. If the system files are corrupted or damaged, the installation process won’t proceed as expected.
- The Windows update was interrupted during the installation of files- Windows update may fail to install because of a sudden power outage. So if the update was interrupted during the installation process, such as the computer getting switched off, you might face the error.
The issue is quite frustrating, as it keeps on displaying the same error message repeatedly on bootup. Even if the system is restarted, the issue persists. Let’s consider these problems one by one and move to their solutions.
How to Fix We Couldn’t Complete The Updates in Windows 11/10
There are several ways to approach Windows Update problems and eliminate the Undoing changes made to your computer message. Here’s how you can fix the issue by following these methods:
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Run Windows Update troubleshooter
- Delete the Software Distribution folder
- Turn on App Readiness Service
- Disable Automatic Windows Update
- Run SFC and DISM Scan
- Install the update manually
- Block Windows Automatic Updates
- Run a Startup repair
- Perform a system restore
You will need admin permission and a clear understanding of using the computer with these tools.
1] Boot into Safe Mode
If your computer system gets into an endless reboot loop and you get stuck in the blue screen, you should boot into Safe Mode or access Advanced boot options.
Things will become easier if you are on a dual boot system, you can quickly boot into Safe Mode by clicking Change defaults or choose other options and then navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings. Here press 4 on your keyboard to select the Enable Safe Mode option.
In case you have a single operating system installed on your computer, then you can enter the Safe Mode by following these steps:
- Press CTRL + X > Settings> Update & Security and click Restart to boot you into the Advanced startup options screen
- Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart Now.
- Press 4 to Enable Safe Mode
Now that you are in Safe Mode try installing the update and see if that works.
2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Troubleshooter is a very effective tool that is already installed on your computer. It scans and detects possible issues that could be preventing you from updating your Operating System and tries to fix them.
In Windows 11:
- Open Windows Settings using Win + I
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Locate Windows Update and then click on the Run Button.
Here’s how to run the Troubleshooter in Windows 10
- Press Windows Key+I > Settings > Update & Security.
- Navigate to the Troubleshooter panel.
- Select Windows update > Run the Troubleshooter.
Check the results of the scan and apply the solutions, if any.
3] Delete the Software Distribution Folder
Usually, Windows updates files are stored in the Software Distribution Folder until they are downloaded completely. The problem can occur if the folder is damaged or corrupt.
To delete this folder, you need to disable some Windows Update Services. Here’s how you do it:
- Press Windows Key+X > Command Prompt > Run as administrator
- Type the following commands and press enter one by one.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptSvc net stop msiserver
- Open the File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution location.
- Delete all the files and folders.
- Locate and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Restart your computer and see if the error is fixed.
4] Turn on App Readiness Service
App Readiness service is required to run a Windows Update. Some users reported that turning this service on solves the update problem. Here’s the procedure:
- Press Windows key+R to open the Run box
- Type services.msc > Enter
- Double-click on App Readiness Service > Properties
- Set the Startup type to Automatic
- Click Start under Service Status
- Click Apply > OK to save your changes
- Reboot your system
Check to see if the method has solved your issue.
5] Disable Automatic Windows Update
Updates undoubtedly ruin the mood of many users plenty of times – features stop working, icons disappear, drivers break, etc. And although frequent updates are essential for computer security, it is advisable to prevent automatic updates if you have issues with the We Couldn’t Complete the Updates error on your computer.
- Press Windows Key + R > type services.msc > Enter
- Right-click Windows Update setting > select Properties.
- Click Stop > select Startup type to Disabled
- Click Apply followed by OK
- Restart your computer
Try to install your updates again and see if your error is gone.
6] Run SFC and DISM Scan
System File Checker (SFC) scan is a diagnostic utility and troubleshooting tool that enables the user to scan and restore corrupted system files. To use this command, follow these steps:
- Select Command Prompt in the Advanced options window. Type the following command and press the Enter key.
sfc /scannow
- Once the process completes, restart your computer.
DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management.
It is used to resolve Windows issues and prepare Windows images, including the Windows Recovery Environment, Windows Setup, and Windows PE. Follow these steps to run it:
- Select Command Prompt in the Advanced options window.
- Type the following command and press the Enter key.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Once the process completes, restart your computer.
Check if the error is fixed or not.
7] Install the Update Manually
Corruption of dependencies of Windows Update Components may cause updates to get stuck. A Windows Update is a collection of different modules working together.
Updates may fail if these modules do not work properly together. Hence, manual installation can help us with this. Follow these steps to update your windows manually:
- Right-click on Start > Select Settings > Update & Security or Windows Update > View update history
- Copy the number of the updates that have failed to install (for example, KB4537759)
- Click this link to visit Microsoft Update Catalog
- Type the KB number > Search
- Download the latest update for your Operating System and install it.
Restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.
8] Block Windows Automatic Updates
When updating Windows, you may have problems with the patch. In this case, you can deter Windows from updating automatically by disabling the metered connection in Windows. Once a new patch is available, you can enable the metered connection again and update Windows. To do it, follow these steps:
- Right-click the Internet icon on your tray > choose Open network and internet settings.
- Click on WiFi and then expand the connected WiFi network properties.
- Set the Set as metered connection toggle to On.
This will block updates from being downloaded temporarily. Now check if the problem is resolved.
9] Run a Startup Repair
The Startup Repair is a Windows diagnostic troubleshooting tool. It is used to repair Windows operating systems when failing to log into the computer. This method often can be used to fix the problem with some corrupted or missing system files, which may cause Windows 10 we couldn’t complete the updates undoing changes.
Follow the steps to run a Startup Repair.
- Press Win + X > Settings> Update & Security and click Restart to boot you into the Advanced startup options screen
- Once you enter Advanced Startup, click Troubleshooting > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- It will check and fix your PC automatically if there is any repair.
Once the process is finished, check if this repair was able to fix your problem.
10] Perform a System Restore
System Restore is a tool in Windows that brings your computer back to the previous state. This will help to resolve the We couldn’t complete the updates. Undoing changes error.
On the Troubleshoot screen > Choose Advanced options > System Restore. Then select an available date, and restore the PC.
If you are in Windows 11/10, you can type System Restore to launch the same wizard to restore the computer.
Windows Update is a very typical issue; hence you can follow these methods to solve this issue. I hope this post will help you to fix it. We couldn’t complete the Updates.
