How to Fix Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer Windows

Learn these simple and effective solutions to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” message on windows. Methods like Safe Mode, Startup Repair, System Restore, DISM, and other solutions are explained below to fix the problem.

If your Windows 11/10 computer gets stuck at the “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” message during startup, it means that there is a problem with the Windows Update which causes it to undo recent changes to your computer.

In this tutorial, we have explained step by step methods to understand why it happens,  how long to wait, and how to fix it quickly.

What Does “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” Mean?

If the installation of a Windows Update fails, then a message stating “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” is displayed by Windows. Instead of the installation of the update, Windows performs undoing changes and restores your computer as it was previously. In case this process lasts for an hour or more, you should think about restarting Windows in Windows Recovery or Safe Mode.

How to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” Loop (Windows 10 and 11)

The “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” message usually appears when a Windows update fails or gets interrupted during startup. While it can look worrying, the issue is often temporary and fixable.

The sections below cover the most effective methods to recover your system and get Windows 10 or 11 running normally again.

What Causes Windows 10 to Undo Changes Made to Your Computer Error?

The “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” message usually appears due to a failed or interrupted Windows update.

The following are a few causes that would lead to error: Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer

• One common reason is that the Windows Update service stops unexpectedly while the update is being downloaded or installed.
• Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Windows from completing the update successfully.
• The issue may occur if the computer shuts down, restarts, or loses power unexpectedly during the update process.
• Insufficient disk space can also cause Windows to roll back changes during an update.
• Incompatible drivers or third-party software may interfere with the update installation.

How Long Does “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” Take?

• In most cases, the undoing process should complete within 30 to 60 minutes.
• Many Windows 10 users have reported the message disappearing after 30–40 minutes.
• If the message stays on the screen for more than an hour, it usually indicates that Windows is stuck and needs manual intervention.
• Force-restarting the system too early is not recommended, as it can lead to further system issues.

How to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” Error in Windows 10

First of all, DO NOT force restart your device.
Force restarting can trap your system in an endless restart loop, making the problem worse.

Instead:

• Shut down your system properly
• Turn off Wi-Fi / disconnect the internet

To check whether the “Undoing changes made to your computer” issue is resolved:

• Unplug your router
• Wait for 1 minute
• Plug it back in and boot your PC

If your computer boots normally, proceed with the steps below to repair system files and reset Windows Update components.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

• Press Windows + X
• Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)

Step 2: Run System File Checker

Type the following command and press Enter:

• sfc /scannow

Wait until the scan completes (do not interrupt).

Step 3: Run DISM Commands (Corrected)

Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These scans may take several minutes.

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components

Once DISM completes, run the following commands:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits

Now rename the SoftwareDistribution folder:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

Then restart the services:

• net start wuauserv
• net start bits

Step 5: Reconnect Internet & Retry Windows Update

1. Reconnect Wi-Fi / Ethernet
2. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
3. Try installing the updates again

If the Problem Still Persists: If rebooting the system with Wi-Fi turned off does not resolve the issue, try the additional solutions listed below.

How to Fix Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer in Windows 11

Windows 11 may get stuck on the “Undoing changes made to your computer” stage when performing a Windows Update roll back due to some errors. However, these steps differ from Windows 10 only slightly as Windows 11 has other appearance and recovery options. Try these methods to fix the situation when the PC cannot boot due to the failed Windows Update.

Windows 11 Recovery Environment

In case Windows 11 fails to boot normally, run the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by rebooting the computer three times or using Windows installation media.

• Select Troubleshoot from the Choose an option screen.
• Hit Advanced options.
• First of all, use the Startup Repair option. In case it does not work, use Uninstall Updates or System Restore.

WinRE contains built-in features for solving startup issues without data loss.

Remove Latest Update

A bad cumulative update may be a cause of the Windows 11 roll back of changes.

• Run the Windows Recovery Environment.
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
• Choose the Uninstall latest quality update option.
• Complete the process and reboot your PC.

If the problem was caused by the Windows Update, the computer should start without any errors.

Remove Latest Feature Update

Use this method if the issue appeared after a Windows 11 version upgrade.

• Reboot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment.
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
• Click the Uninstall latest feature update option.
• After rollback to the previous Windows 11 version, reboot your PC. The feature updates remove major version upgrades without your personal files. It will be helpful when the feature update is not compatible with your PC

Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer: 9 Proven Fix Methods

Method #1:  Launch Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows this problem to be solved in case it is your driver or default settings of the system that is causing the problem. This solution is also valid in case other programs are interfering with the Windows Update Service.

Follow these steps:

#1) Power off your device.

#2) Restart your gadget and select Update & Security from the Settings menu.

#3) Select Advanced Startup after selecting Recovery.

#4) Click on Restart now.

#5) After your device reboots, select Troubleshoot and click on Advanced options.

#6) Click Restart, then choose Startup Settings.

#7) By pressing the F5 key on your keyboard, you can enter Safe Mode with Networking.

#8) With your computer operating in Safe Mode, go to Control Panel, click on Uninstall a program, and then choose View installed updates from the left-hand window pane. Remove the most recent updates.

#9) Then head to Update and Security, and look for updates.

Suggested Reading =>> Methods to Boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode

Method #2: Block the Automatic Windows Updates [Temporarily]

There is no way to ‘permanently block’ Windows updates. We can use a small trick that can help to block these updates temporarily.

Follow the given steps to block automatic Windows updates:

#1) Go to Windows Settings.

#2) Search for Network and Internet and double-click on it.

#3) In the left pane, click on Status -> Click on Change connection properties or just the grey button of Properties.

#4) Look for ‘Metered Connection’ under Network Profile and toggle it to enable it ON.

#5) This should disable the updates temporarily as it sets a data cap that can be downloaded onto the system.

Once it is reassured by the Windows provider that the latest updates are absent of any bugs, you can disable Metered connection and install the latest updates.

Also Read =>> Fix Windows 10 Update Stuck issue

Method #3: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in solution by Windows 10 can be performed to troubleshoot common Windows issues. Kindly follow the given steps to utilize this facility:

#1) Press [ Windows Key + I ]. Head to Update and Security, then click on Troubleshoot.

#2) Click on Windows Update and then ‘Run the troubleshooter.’

#3) Follow along with the prompts on your screen and allow the process to be finished as per the given prompts.

#4) Restart your system to see if the undoing changes problem has been solved for you.

Method #4: Rename the Software Distribution folder

The Software Distribution in Windows 10 is used to store all Windows update installation files on a temporary basis. One reason why you might be facing the Windows 10 undoing changes error is the corruption of these files.

Kindly follow the steps below to rename this folder:

#1) Open an Elevated Command Prompt window [Click the Start menu, type cmd, and then after right-clicking the Command Prompt Application, choose Run as Administrator]

Further Reading => Simple Guide to Delete User Profiles in Windows

#2) Type out the below-mentioned command line by line [Be sure to press enter after every command]

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ to SoftwareDistribution.bak
net start wuauserv
net start bits

#3) Now you should not face any problems when you update Windows to the latest version.

Method #5: Enable the App Readiness Service

The most recent solution to this problem is enabling the App Readiness Service on Windows 10.

Follow the steps below:

#1) Press [Windows Key + R]

#2) Herein, enter ‘services. msc’

#3) Under the Window labeled ‘Services’, look for App Readiness Service -> Right Click on it -> Click on Start

#4) Restart your system to see if the undoing changes problem has been solved for you.

Method #6: Uninstall Updates That Were Just Installed

It’s best to uninstall recent updates because Windows 10/11 displays the Undoing Changes Made to your computer’s screen as a result of the updates. If you do this, Windows 10/11 won’t try to install the update again.

#1) To open the RUN dialogue box, first press Windows Key + R. Enter appwiz.cpl in the RUN dialogue box and press Enter.

#2) Select the View Installed Updates option from the Programs and Features window.

#3) Select the most recent update now, then click Uninstall.

Method #7: Updating Windows 11 Drivers

Here are the steps to do it:

#1) Type “device management” into the taskbar’s search box, then click on Device Manager.

#2) To see the names of the devices, choose a category, then right-click (or press and hold) the item you want to update.

#3) Choose automatically check for driver software updates.

#4) Choosing Update Driver.

#5) You can attempt to find a new driver on the device manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions if Windows is unable to do so.

Method #8: Disabling Anti-Virus

Here are the steps:

#1) Windows Security can be found by selecting Start and typing that word.

#2) Choose the Windows Security program from the search results, navigate to Virus & threat protection, and then click Manage Settings under Virus & threat protection settings.

#3) Turn off Real-time protection. Keep in mind that planned scans will still be performed. Downloaded or installed files, however, won’t be scanned until the subsequent scheduled scan.

Method #9: Restoring the System to an Earlier Date

#1) In the search box, enter “make a restore point,” and then choose the entry from the list of results. Click the System Restore button when the System Properties box appears.

#2) On the initial screen of the System Restore window, click Next.

#3) Click Next after selecting the restore point in the following box.

Further Reading =>> Methods to Fix System Restore Stuck in Windows 10

Method #10: Manually Installing Windows Updates

Choose Start -> Settings -> Windows Update, then click Check for updates to see if there are any updates. You can decide whether to install updates if they are available.

Method #11: Extending Windows System Partition Size

Follow these steps:

#1) Click the “Disk Management” option from the context menu while right-clicking the Windows icon.

#2) From the context menu, choose “Extend Volume” after performing a right-click on the system partition you want to enlarge.

#3) Select the amount of unallocated space you wish to add to the C drive by clicking “Next,” then click “Next” to proceed.

#4) Click Finish.

Fixing the 0x800f0922 and 0x800f0988 problem or error in Windows 10/11

In Windows 10 and 11, the error code 0x800f0922 denotes a failure during an update or system upgrade. This could be due to a number of factors, including defective installation files, inaccessible Windows servers, a lack of disc space, or spyware.

The update troubleshooter, a restart, the System File Checker, or the SFC and DISM utilities are all potential fixes. System files that are corrupted or missing might lead to the update error 0x800f0988 on Windows 11. You simply need to perform the DISM scan as admin in the Windows Terminal in this situation.

Corrupt update data is another recognized reason for the problem. By deleting the Windows Update component, this problem can be resolved.

Why Windows Updates Keep Failing

The main reason for the recurring display of the Undoing changes made to your computer  error message is the failure of the Windows update. In order to solve this issue, it is important to know what causes this failure. Below you will find some of the most common reasons for the Windows update failures.

• Corrupted Update Files : Windows stores all the updates before they are installed. These files can become corrupt during an interrupted download or installation due to power outages or network errors. Such a problem can lead to an incomplete installation process and result in the uninstallation of the update at the computer reboot.
• Insufficient Space Available: Large Windows updates require several gigabytes of disk space to be successfully completed. If the system drive does not have enough space available, the update fails and gets uninstalled by Windows.
• Hardware Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible hardware drivers prevent the Windows update from being installed. Usually graphics, storage, and chipset drivers are the main sources of such conflicts after a big Windows feature update.
• Security Software Issues: Third-party antivirus software interferes with Windows Update services. As a result, the updates get blocked. Moreover, some antiviruses tend to quarantine Windows installation files.
• Corrupted System Files: Incomplete or corrupted Windows system files interfere with the update installation process. To fix the issue use the inbuilt tools: SFC and DISM

How to Prevent Undoing changes made to your computer Error

It is not possible to prevent any Windows updates from being completely unsuccessful; however, there are some actions that may decrease the possibility of receiving the message saying “Undoing changes made to your computer”.

• Keep free disk space: Free disk space is required for downloading, unpacking and installation of any updates. Make sure that you have at least 20-30 GB free disk space on your system drive.
• Do not install updates during the process of doing something important: Avoid installing Windows updates when you are doing something important. In such cases, use the option of Pause Updates offered in Windows Settings. Install them only when your PC has a stable power source and connection to the Internet.
• Update your drivers before major Windows updates: Find the latest drivers offered by the website of your PC or hardware manufacturer before updating your operating system. Up-to-date graphics, chipset, storage, and network drivers will improve compatibility and reduce the risks of installation problems.
• Create restore points: Enable System Restore and create a restore point before performing any major updates. It will allow you to go back to a previous state without losing your personal information if the update will cause any problems with booting or performance.
• Backup your files: Despite the fact that updates usually do not affect any personal information, it is better to have a current backup. Use either an external drive or cloud service for storing your data

When Should You Reinstall Windows?

Most “Undoing changes made to your computer” problems can be solved using Windows built-in troubleshooting utilities. In case your computer still doesn’t work despite numerous repair attempts, reinstalling Windows can be the optimal way out. But before you decide on doing this, please check the following alternatives:

Reinstallation in case of failure of other ways: In case you have tried Startup Repair, System Restore, SFC/DISM scans, uninstalled recently installed updates and restarted Windows Update services without any positive results, your Windows operating system can be severely compromised and cannot be repaired anymore. Reinstallation will restore the stability of your system and eliminate boot loops.

Reset This PC as the optimal alternative to reinstallation: If your operating system is still able to launch recovery environment, using Reset this PC will be more beneficial than installing Windows from scratch.

Using Reset this PC allows for reinstalling Windows and choosing whether you want to preserve your data or not. Reset this PC is quicker and requires less configuration than Windows installation. But if the problem with “Undoing changes made to your computer” persists after reset, clean installation using Windows USB flash drive should be considered

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If the “Undoing changes” screen cannot be closed on your Windows 10/11 device or Windows undoing changes, you can force the computer to shut down by holding down the Power button.

After that, you should terminate your Internet connection and then relaunch your computer without attempting to reestablish a connection to the Internet. If your computer boots up normally every time, you should run SFC and DISM.

You also have the option of restarting your computer in Safe Mode and removing the problematic updates at that time. In the event that nothing else is successful, you can try running “Startup Repair” to automatically fix the problems that are preventing Windows from loading or to prevent undoing changes to Windows 10.

Research Process:

• The research was carried out by keenly observing when the “Undoing changes made to your computer” error occurs in Windows 10 and 11. The error is mostly encountered during failed updates.
• The most common causes of the error, such as faulty update files, faulty computer components, or a faulty internet connection, were tested. The solutions were obtained from reputable sources from Microsoft, with the most efficient solutions first.
• Total time taken to research, test, and publish this guide: 50 Hours (Approx)