This issue may occur if corrupted system files have halted the Windows update installation, or if the computer powers down unexpectedly during the update process. Sometimes the error message resolves itself after 30 minutes, and it usually takes no longer than an hour. However, the computer is unusable during this period. If you encounter this error, as an initial measure, you can shut down your computer and disable your Wi-Fi connection to address the issue. If the problem persists, the following solutions may help fix it.
1. Boot Windows into Safe Mode
Rebooting into Safe Mode is useful if default settings or drivers are the cause of the issue. Booting in Safe Mode also halts apps that may interfere with the Windows Update Service.
2. Delete the Latest Updates
The Undoing Changes error can occur when the computer tries to roll back new changes. Removing recent updates may alleviate the issue.
3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that helps resolve common issues with Windows updates. It can be particularly useful if errors occur during the download and installation process.
4. Stop Windows Automatic Updates
Temporarily halting the automatic update service can prevent Windows from attempting to reinstall problematic updates. The service will reactivate after a set period, or you can manually reactivate it once the issue is fixed.
5. Disable Antivirus Software
Temporarily disabling your antivirus may prevent it from scanning and potentially blocking installed or downloaded files that are needed for Windows updates. Some third-party antivirus programs can interfere with Windows security settings, possibly causing update problems. Note: Be sure to re-enable your antivirus protection after the updates have been installed to ensure your computer is secure. The specific steps for disabling antivirus may vary based on the third-party software installed on your computer. NOTE: Scheduled scans will still occur, but installed or downloaded files will not be scanned until the next scheduled scan.
6. Manually Installing Windows Updates
Manually installing updates allows you to schedule when your device restarts to complete the update process, potentially reducing waiting times. Additionally, some updates may require more time to install.
7. Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The SoftwareDistribution folder temporarily stores files needed for Windows updates. These files can become corrupted, leading to the undoing changes error. Before you can rename this folder, you must stop the Windows Update service. To stop the Windows Update service, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following command:
8. Run SFC and DISM Scan
If the issue persists, run the System File Checker (SFC), a utility that repairs corrupted Windows files. It is recommended to perform this step after renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder. Should the problem continue, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. We trust these solutions helped you resolve the ‘Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer’ error. If not, please reach out to the Microsoft support team for further assistance. Alternatively, drop a message in the comments section below, and one of our specialists will get back to you.
