Microsoft continues to release updates for Windows 10 from time to time. While updates are meant to increase security, add new features, fix bugs, and improve the overall experience, they can sometimes cause PC problems. Windows 10 update problems are quite common and one such problem is the file We were unable to complete the updates, undoing the changes. error.
According to users, when an update is initiated, it continues at 100%, but fails and ends with an error message that says “The updates could not be completed, undoing the changes. Now, there could be several reasons behind this error while performing an update. A faulty implementation of the update and corrupt system files are among the main reasons behind this problem.
In this article, we take a look at all the possible solutions you can try to get rid of this problem.
Can't start Windows 10?
It may happen that you get stuck in an infinite loop where your PC will display the above error message and when you try to restart your PC, it will start the update process again and so on. In such a scenario, you will need to boot Windows 10 in Safe mode. Once you get into safe mode, you will be able to troubleshoot and get rid of the problem by trying the methods below.
How to start Windows 10 in safe mode?
You can enter Safe Mode in Windows 10 by following the steps provided here:
Step 1: While the PC restarts and the first startup screen is displayed, you will need to press the key F8 o Shift + F8 keys. The key combination is usually mentioned on the main screen, so be careful.
Alternative to step 1: If you cannot insert the Advanced home screen, you will have to try another method. Press and hold the PC power button for 4-5 seconds while the PC restarts. Your PC will forcibly shut down. Now restart your PC and repeat the automatic shutdown process at least 2 more times.
Step 2: On the next screen, select Advanced options, then select the file Solve problems option.
3 pass: On the next screen, select Advanced options.
4 pass: Now in the next set of options, select the file Startup Settings.
5 pass: On the Startup Settings screen, go ahead and select Restart button.
6 pass: Your PC will restart. You will enter the Startup Settings screen with options to choose from. Here, select the file Enable Safe Mode option by pressing the 4 key.
After making the previous selection, the PC will restart. This time you will be able to boot into Windows 10, but in Safe Mode.
In safe mode, try these solutions.
Solution 1: Disable Windows Update Service in CMD
The first thing to try is to disable the Windows update service. You can easily do this with the help of the command prompt. That's how:
Step 1: Press Win + WILL keys and type DCM in the search panel that opens. From the search results, right-click Command Prompt. In the context menu that opens, select the file Run as administrator option.
Step 2: At the command prompt screen, type the following command and press the Enter key:
net stop wuauerv
3 pass: Type the following command and hit Enter again:
net stop bits
4 pass: Close the Command Prompt screen and open File Explorer. In File Explorer, go to the following folder location: C: Windows SoftwareDistribution
When you are in the Software Distribution folder, select all available files and delete them.
5 pass: After deleting the files, close File Explorer and restart your PC.
You will be able to boot into Windows 10.
Solution 2: Uninstall the latest Windows update
Another thing you can try in safe mode is to uninstall the latest Windows update on your PC. A faulty update could cause this problem.
Step 1: Open Updates and security settings. For this, press Win + me keys. TO settings window that opens, select the file Updates e Safety option.
Step 2: In this window, make sure that Windows update The option is selected in the left pane. Go to the right pane now and click View update history option.
3 pass: Select the Uninstall updates option in the next window.
4 passNow, the control panel will open with a list of Windows updates. Here you go to Microsoft Windows section, select the first update from the list and click Uninstall option.
Once the update is uninstalled, the PC will need to be restarted. After restarting, the problem will be solved.
Solution 3: Run DISM Scan
DISM tracing is a command line utility that can be used to troubleshoot various problems. To clear the error The updates could not be completed, undoing the changes in Windows 10, run this scan.
Step 1: Run command prompt as administrator. For this, press Win + WILL and in the search box type cmd. Go to search results, right click on Symbol of the system and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Copy and paste the following command into the command prompt and press the Enter key:
Dism / Online / Cleanup Image / RestoreHealth
Once the command is successful, close the command prompt and restart your PC.
Solution 4: Run the SFC scan
Another command prompt utility, the SFC scan looks for corrupted files on your PC and fixes them. Let's find out how:
Step 1: Run Command Prompt with Administrator privileges. Press Win + WILL and enter cmd in the search panel that will open. Right click on Symbol of the system from the search results and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command in the command prompt screen and press the Enter key:
sfc / scannow
When the scan is complete, exit the Command Prompt window and restart your PC.
Solution 5: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows' built-in tool, Windows Update Troubleshooter, can help you troubleshoot Windows 10 update issues on your PC. Let's see how to use it.
Step 1: Open Updates and security Settings. For this, press Win + me and in the Settings menu select Update and security.
Step 2: In the next window, go to the left panel and select the file Solve problems option. Now click on the file Windows update in the right pane and select the file Run the troubleshooter button.
When the troubleshooter starts diagnostics, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Restart your computer after that and check if the problem persists.
Solution 6: Rename the software distribution folder
The Windows distribution folder stores all temporary files that are required for the Windows update. By renaming it, you will force Windows to create a new distribution folder from scratch and free your PC from the problems that may arise from the renamed folder.
Step 1: Opens the command prompt in administrator mode. The procedure has already been discussed above.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the commands given below and press Log in after typing each of the commands:
net stop wuauerv
net stop bits
rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
net start wuauserv
net start bits
After running these commands, you can launch Windows Update and see if you can run it correctly.
Solution 7: Starting the Application Preparation Service
If the application preparation service is not running, you may receive the error Unable to complete updates / undo changes in Windows 10. Make sure the application preparation service is running.
Step 1: Open the Services window by pressing the Win + R keys and typing services.msc in the Run box that opens. press the ok key.
Step 2: From the list of services you see in the Services window, find Preparation of the application Service. Select the service and click Home option.
After the App Readiness service is up and running, try updating Windows 10.
Solution 8: perform a system restore
System Restore is a tool offered by Microsoft in Windows that allows you to restore your PC to a previous date's settings without hampering your files. When performing a System Restore, our goal in this method will be to restore your PC to the point where it will work fine and you will be able to update Windows 10 without any problems.
Note that you will only be able to perform a system restore on your PC if you have already created a restore point. If you haven't, you won't be able to. However, I suggest you try the method anyway, even if you don't remember creating one; there may be one in your system.
You can check here how to perform system restore in Windows 10.
After successfully performing a system restore on your PC, you can try to update Windows 10.
Solution 9: Enable metered connection to block updates
If you are facing the same problem over and over with updates then there must be something wrong with the update patch. In this scenario, all you can do is discourage the upgrade by enabling metered connection in Windows. This will prevent Windows from automatically updating your PC. When a new update is available, you can disable the metered connection and update Windows 10.
Step 1: Go to the lower right corner of the screen and right click on the network icon, then select the file Open the network and share the settings option.
Step 2: Now select the icon of the network you are connected to. On the next screen, activate the button below Connection measured to turn it on.
Closing words
Hope the above solutions helped you to get rid of the error We were unable to complete the updates, undoing the changes in Windows 10. If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know in the comment section.
