Windows 10 build 18841

Windows 10 now removes problematic updates automatically

Windows 10 can now detect and uninstall problematic updates automatically to help recover your computer when it won't start correctly.

On Windows 10, updates are important to keep your device and files safe and secure and improve the overall experience, but it’s also true that sometimes updates can fail because of compatibility or other problems.

However, a new Microsoft documentation page (via Windows Latest) explains that if your device is unable to start after an update and the automatic repair mechanism can’t recover your system, then starting with the May 2019 Update, version 1903, Windows 10 now will try to fix this problem by uninstalling the problematic update automatically.

Also, after the update has been removed, you’ll receive a “We removed some recently installed updates to recover your device from a startup failure” notification. In addition, Windows 10 will also block the problematic update from installing again automatically for the next 30 days, which should be enough time until the next patch releases with a fix for the issue.

The new safeguard mechanism works automatically, which means that you don’t have to activate or configure anything. Also, if you’re confident, you can always reinstall the update manually.

In the case that you’re still unable to start your device, you can use this guide to uninstall the problematic update manually using the Advanced startup experience.

About the author

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.