[Good News] Windows 10 will Automatically Uninstall Problematic Updates that Cause Startup Failure

We know that Windows 10 comes with automatic update feature which allows the operating system to automatically download and install updates released by Microsoft. These updates might be related to computer security, performance, stability and compatibility. Many times these updates also fix bugs and issues reported by users.

Related: Fixing Windows 10 Automatic Updates Installation Problem

Since the updates are installed automatically without user’s permission, many times users face problems after their devices are restarted by Windows to install and apply new updates. The computers may face startup problems such as boot failure, system or boot loader files missing or corrupted, unable to access login screen (sign-in screen) or Desktop, etc.

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When you face startup problems in Windows 10 due to an update installation, you are left to use recovery discs, system restore points and troubleshooting methods given by Windows 10 at startup screen. You may lose important data, browser bookmarks, emails, documents, etc if you restore your PC to an earlier point.

Also fixing a non-bootable computer system is not an easy task. It requires expertise and only advanced Windows users can follow the troubleshooting process to make the computer working again.

In past many Windows 10 users have reported problems and issues caused by these automatic updates forcefully installed by Windows in their computer systems.

Now a good news is coming from Microsoft. If an update causes problems and issues to users including startup failure, Windows 10 will automatically uninstall/remove the problematic update and make your device working again. Microsoft has added a new auto-uninstall feature to automatic updates in Windows 10 version 1903 and later.

Once Windows 10 removes the problematic update, users will receive a notification message from Action Center as soon as the device boots and loads the Desktop. The notification shows following message:

We removed some recently installed updates to recover your device from a startup failure.

[More Info]

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Following screenshot shows the notification alert live in action in Windows 10 machine:

Windows_10_Removed_Updates_Recover_Device_Startup_Failure.png

There is another important thing to notice! To ensure that the problematic update is not installed again automatically, Windows 10 will block that update from installing in your computer for next 30 days. After 30 days, Windows 10 will try to install the update again. Microsoft has chosen one month blocking time so that the company can find the cause of the problem, fix it and re-release the update. Don’t worry! If your device is unable to start up again after installation of the same update after 30 days period, Windows 10 will uninstall the update again.

Following is the official description from Microsoft:

Why were recently installed updates removed?

Windows automatically installs updates to keep your device secure and running at peak efficiency. Occasionally, these updates can fail due to incompatibility or issues in new software. Your device has recently recovered from a startup failure if you have received this notification: “We removed some recently installed updates to recover your device from a startup failure.” If Windows detects this, it will try to resolve the failure by uninstalling recently installed updates. This is only done when all other automatic recovery attempts have been unsuccessful.

To ensure that your device can start up and continue running as expected, Windows will also prevent problematic updates from installing automatically for the next 30 days. This will give Microsoft and our partners the opportunity to investigate the failure and fix any issues. After 30 days, Windows will again try to install the updates.

If you think that the update was mistakenly uninstalled by Windows 10 and you want to manually install the update in your Windows 10 device, you can download the update from Windows Update Catalog website and install it in your computer system.

Also Check:

[Important] If You Click “Check for Updates” Button in Windows 10

How to Prevent or Skip Feature Update Installation in Windows 10

[Tip] Use Windows Update Troubleshooter to Fix All Problems

Published in: Windows 10

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. Hi I just got windows 10 and an new HP laptop boy Am I having issues. The cpu took away all my privileges of all c drive. They shaded them brown and its about 80% of the files. If I try to open access is denied. I have taken the steps several times to get some back but I go thru the steps and after I click ok a dialogue box comes up and says access denied. The system also created a public network in my own wifi device. They unchecked my no file sharing and no networking I set it up as a private user. does Microsoft have this much control? The unknown connection shows up when I check my router bios thru my cox account as an unknown device with people active on it:( Whats your opinion on this?

  2. ^^ I’ll advise you to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. Or you can use Reset this PC feature.

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