How to Fix Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled Error on Windows 11

Windows 11 gives you the option to remove problematic updates when they cause performance drops, bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues. But sometimes, when you try to uninstall an update, Windows throws a message saying: “Not all of the updates were successfully uninstalled.”

This can be frustrating, especially if the update is breaking a feature or causing system instability. The error typically appears when Windows is unable to roll back certain system components, registry entries, servicing stack files, or when the update is tied to a dependent security patch.

The good news is that you can still fix this problem using several alternative methods. In this guide, we’ll walk through all the effective ways to uninstall stubborn Windows 11 updates when the standard removal method fails.

Why Windows Shows the “Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled” Error

This error happens when Windows cannot fully remove or roll back one or more update components. Common causes include:

Corrupted update files
Missing or damaged servicing stack
Windows Update services not running
Dependency conflicts between updates
Damaged system files
Incomplete previous update installation
Attempting to remove a cumulative update incorrectly
Removing updates that are still active in the system memory

Now let’s fix the issue with the most effective methods.

1. Restart Your PC and Retry the Uninstall

Before trying complex solutions, start with a simple reboot.

Save your work.
Click Start → Power → Restart.
After rebooting, go back to Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.
Try removing the update again.

Sometimes, the uninstall operation fails because the system was in use or files were locked.

2. Uninstall the Update Using Control Panel

If Windows Settings fails, try the traditional Control Panel method.

Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
Go to Programs → Programs and Features.
Click View installed updates on the left.
Select the update you want to remove (usually KBxxxxxxx).
Click Uninstall.

This method bypasses some Windows Update UI restrictions.

3. Uninstall the Update Using Command Prompt (wusa Command)

Windows includes a built-in update uninstaller that you can run manually.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type the following command: wusa /uninstall /kb:XXXXXXX /quiet /norestart

Replace XXXXXXX with the update number (without “KB”).

Restart your computer manually afterward.

This method is especially effective for failed or partially-installed updates.

4. Use DISM to Force-Remove Problematic Updates

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) can remove stubborn updates.

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run this command to view installed packages: DISM /Online /Get-Packages | findstr KB
Identify the package that matches your update.

Example package name:

Package_for_KB5021234~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.1.0

Remove the update using: DISM /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:Package_for_KBxxxxxxx
Restart your PC.

DISM is powerful and removes updates that the normal UI cannot.

5. Run SFC and DISM Repair to Fix Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system or update files can prevent proper uninstalling.

Run SFC:

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type: sfc /scannow

Run DISM:

After SFC completes, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your computer, then try uninstalling the update again.

6. Enable and Restart All Windows Update Services

If update-related services aren’t running, Windows cannot uninstall updates properly.

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Make sure these services are Running and Automatic:
- Windows Update
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Cryptographic Services
- Windows Installer
Right-click each and select Restart if needed.

Try removing the problematic update again afterward.

7. Delete Windows Update Cache Files

A corrupted update cache often causes uninstall failures.

Press Windows + R, type services.msc.
Stop these services:
- Windows Update
- BITS
Go to this folder: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Delete everything inside.
Restart your PC.

Now retry uninstalling the update.

8. Boot Into Safe Mode and Try Uninstalling the Update

Some updates won’t uninstall while certain processes are running.

Boot into Safe Mode:

Press Windows + I → System → Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Go to: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
Press F4 for Safe Mode.

Now uninstall the update through:

Settings
Control Panel
or wusa command

Safe Mode often bypasses conflicts from apps and drivers.

9. Use System Restore to Roll Back Windows

If the update caused system instability, restoring to an earlier point may fix the issue.

Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
Select a restore point from before the update was installed.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

This resets system files without touching your personal data.

10. Use Advanced Uninstall Options Through Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If nothing works inside Windows, uninstall the update through WinRE.

Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
Choose:
- Uninstall Updates
  - Uninstall latest quality update
  - Uninstall latest feature update

Windows will remove the problematic update from outside the OS environment, which often succeeds when normal uninstall attempts fail.

11. Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If the update is deeply embedded and nothing else works, resetting Windows will remove it.

Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
Select Reset this PC.
Choose:
- Keep my files (recommended), or
- Remove everything (fresh start)

Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

A reset fixes severe update corruption and ensures a clean system.

Wrapping Up

The “Not All of the Updates Were Successfully Uninstalled” error can be incredibly frustrating, especially when a buggy update is affecting your system. But with the methods we covered — from using Control Panel and command-line uninstallers to clearing the Windows Update cache, running SFC/DISM repairs, Safe Mode attempts, and even using WinRE — you can remove stubborn updates and restore your system’s stability.