How to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”? Learn practical ways to fix the Windows “Undoing changes made to your computer” error, including restarting, entering Safe Mode, repairing system files, resetting Windows Update components, and using System Restore.
How to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”
The “Undoing changes made to your computer” message usually appears when a Windows Update fails to install correctly; restarting, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, repairing system files, and resetting the update components can resolve the problem.
Why Does Windows Show “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”?
Windows displays this message when it cannot complete an update and attempts to return the system to its previous state.
Common causes include:
Corrupted Windows Update files.
Insufficient free storage.
Damaged Windows system files.
Driver compatibility problems.
Interrupted updates.
Conflicts with software or security programs.
Problems with Windows Update services.
1. Wait for Windows to Finish Reverting
If the message appears after an unsuccessful update, give Windows time to complete the rollback.
Avoid repeatedly turning the computer off while Windows is actively reverting changes because interrupting system recovery can create additional startup problems.
Once Windows returns to the desktop, restart the computer normally.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for update problems.
On Windows 11:
Open Settings.
Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Find Windows Update.
Select Run.
Follow the instructions.
Restart the computer when finished.
Microsoft recommends the Windows Update troubleshooter as an initial troubleshooting step.
3. Check Available Storage
A Windows update may fail if the system drive does not have enough free space.
Check:
Settings → System → Storage
Remove unnecessary temporary files and applications if the drive is nearly full.
Microsoft specifically lists insufficient disk space as one possible cause of update installation failures.
4. Repair Corrupted Windows System Files
Corrupted system files can interfere with Windows Update.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the process to complete.
Then run:
sfc /scannow
Allow the SFC scan to reach 100% before closing Command Prompt. Microsoft recommends running DISM and then SFC when repairing corrupted Windows components.
5. Reset the Windows Update Cache
If the update cache is damaged, clearing it can allow Windows to download fresh update files.
Step 1: Stop Windows Update
Press:
Windows + R
Type:
services.msc
Press Enter.
Find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
Step 2: Clear the Update Cache
Open:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Delete the contents inside this folder.
Step 3: Start Windows Update Again
Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
Microsoft documents clearing the SoftwareDistribution cache as a troubleshooting step for certain Windows Update failures.
6. Try Safe Mode
If Windows repeatedly gets stuck while starting, Safe Mode can help determine whether a driver or startup program is contributing to the problem.
A common Windows 11 route is:
Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → F5
This starts Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.
Once in Safe Mode, you can remove problematic software, troubleshoot drivers, or attempt system repairs.
7. Use System Restore
If the problem began after a recent driver, application, or system change, System Restore can return Windows system files and settings to an earlier restore point.
It does not normally remove personal files, although applications, drivers, and system settings installed after the restore point can be affected.
You can access recovery options through:
Settings → System → Recovery
For systems that cannot boot normally, Windows Recovery Environment provides additional recovery options.
8. Uninstall a Problematic Windows Update
If the computer started showing the problem immediately after a particular update, Windows recovery options may allow you to uninstall the recent update.
From Windows Recovery Environment, Microsoft lists:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates
This can be useful when a recent update is preventing Windows from starting normally.
9. Reinstall the Current Version of Windows
On supported Windows 11 systems, the “Fix problems using Windows Update” recovery option can reinstall the current Windows version while preserving apps, files, and settings.
The path is:
Settings → System → Recovery → Fix problems using Windows Update → Reinstall now
Microsoft states that this option repairs system files and components while preserving apps, files, and settings.
Which Fix Should You Try First?
Problem Recommended Action Risk to Personal Files
Update failed once Restart and run Windows Update troubleshooter Very low
Low storage Free disk space Very low
Corrupted system files DISM + SFC Very low
Damaged update cache Reset SoftwareDistribution Low
Startup/update conflict Safe Mode Low
Problem started after system change System Restore Personal files generally preserved
Recent update causing problems Uninstall update Personal files generally preserved
Persistent Windows corruption Reinstall current Windows version Designed to preserve files/apps/settings on supported Windows 11 option
Severe Windows failure Reset/reinstall Windows Can affect apps or files depending on option
Simple Troubleshooting Flow
“Undoing Changes” Appears
↓
Let Windows Finish
↓
Restart Computer
↓
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
↓
Check Free Storage
↓
Run DISM + SFC
↓
Reset Windows Update Cache
↓
Still Failing?
↓
Safe Mode / Uninstall Update / System Restore
↓
Persistent Problem?
↓
Windows Recovery or Reinstallation
What You Should Avoid
Don't repeatedly force the computer off while Windows is actively reverting an update.
Don't delete random files from the Windows folder.
Don't use unofficial “Windows repair” utilities without knowing what they change.
Don't immediately reset Windows before trying less disruptive recovery options.
Back up important personal files before performing major recovery operations.
Microsoft recommends backing up important files before using recovery options because some recovery procedures can result in data loss.
Final Takeaway
The “Undoing changes made to your computer” message is generally associated with a failed Windows Update. Start with the least disruptive solutions: let the rollback finish, restart Windows, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, check storage, and repair system files with DISM and SFC. If the problem continues, move to update-cache repair, Safe Mode, System Restore, or Windows recovery options.
