Undoing changesMediumWindows is undoing the update changes
What this error means
This message appears when Windows tries to install an update but cannot finish it, so it rolls the changes back to keep the system usable. You usually see it during a restart after updating, often with the phrase we couldn't complete the updates undoing changes. It can take a while, but if it keeps looping or returns every time you restart, the update may be blocked by low disk space, a driver problem, a corrupted system file, or a bad update download.
Common causes
- 1Not enough free disk space for the update to finish
- 2A damaged or incomplete update download
- 3A driver or hardware compatibility problem
- 4Corrupted Windows system files
- 5Security software or another app interfering with the update process
How to fix it
- Wait once if the message just appeared. Some updates need time to roll back safely. Leave the computer plugged in and give it up to an hour if the screen is still changing or the drive light is active.
- Restart the computer and try the update again. If Windows returns to the desktop, restart normally and check whether the update installs on its own. If you can, open Settings > Windows Update and try again after the restart.
- Make sure you have enough free space. Delete unneeded files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove large temporary files if your drive is nearly full. Windows updates need room to download, unpack, and roll back if something goes wrong.
- Disconnect extra devices and close background apps. Unplug printers, external drives, and other accessories you do not need. Then close any third-party security tools or heavy apps before trying the update again.
- Run Windows update repair checks. Use Quickfix AI or the built-in repair tools to check for damaged system files and update components. If Quickfix AI offers a system repair option, run it before attempting the update again.
- Install the latest drivers and updates. After the computer is stable, check for Windows updates again and install any pending driver updates, especially for storage, graphics, and network devices.
- Use Safe Mode if the update keeps failing. If the loop continues, boot into Safe Mode, remove recently installed software if needed, and try the update again from a cleaner startup environment. If it still fails, contact support rather than repeatedly forcing restarts.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Close resource-heavy apps
- On Windows open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS open Activity Monitor.
- Sort by CPU or memory usage.
- Quit apps you don't need that are using excessive resources.
Boot into Safe Mode (Windows)
- Open Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking).
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Free up disk space
- Empty the Recycle Bin / Trash.
- Remove large files and apps you no longer use.
- Aim to keep at least 10% of the drive free.
Contact Quickfix support
If the issue persists after trying these steps, reach out so we can help.
Visit the contact page and include your scan report code.
When to seek help
Get help if the computer is stuck on we couldn't complete the updates undoing changes for a long time, if it happens after every restart, or if Windows will not open normally afterward. Also seek help if you see repeated blue screens, the device is extremely slow, or you suspect the storage drive may be failing. In those cases, a technician or Quickfix support can help you recover the system without risking data loss.
Need more help?
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