Windows 8.1 Update is finally out as a mandatory update for those wanting to keep receiving future updates via Windows Update on their devices. However for those who already installed the update may find out that doing so causes some issues, in which case uninstalling Windows 8.1 Update may be necessary.
Removing Windows 8.1 Update isn’t a difficult task, but it isn’t also as easy as going to Control Panel > Uninstall a program, because you won’t find the undo button there.
Windows 8.1 Update is a collection of updates (KB files), which if you were using Windows Update, these files were installed in a particular order one-by-one. This means that to remove the update from your PC, you’ll need to manually uninstall these KB files. Don’t panic, it’s an easy task, just follow the steps below.
Instructions
Like in pretty much any operating system there are many ways to accomplish the same thing, but today I’ll show you what I find is the easiest way to remove Windows 8.1 Update rolling back to Windows 8.1.
1. Go to Start and do a search for Command Prompt and from the result, right-click and select Run as administrator.
2. Run the following commands one-by-one:
wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2938439
wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2937592
wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2932046
wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2919355
3. Reboot your PC to complete the removal.
Although there will always be those who don’t like the features and changes bundled on a specific update, I would only recommend to uninstall Windows 8.1 Update as a way to troubleshoot and fix the current Windows installation. Then I would strongly suggest to reinstall the update via Windows Update again as Windows 8.1 Update is a mandatory update. Those ignoring to update will stop receiving future patches as of May 2014.
Finally, you’ll notice that KB2919442 isn’t listed in the commands I mentioned above. This update isn’t part of Windows 8.1 Update, but it’s a prerequisite to install the update and it can’t be removed. However uninstalling those five updates will remove Windows 8.1 Update from your PC.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].