Windows update made computer crash

Question

A windows update was loaded on my computer that ended up in a loop that rendered the computer unusable. I was able to uninstall the updates, but windows is trying to reinstall the same updates. What can be done to correct either the problems with the updates or prevent those updates from being loaded? I have them paused for 5 weeks but never getting another update is not the answer.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

Just to confirm, is the device experiencing a Blue Screen error on the PC? If yes, let us point out and troubleshoot the issue. Can you please check if you have Minidump files on the PC so I can further examine the root cause of the issue?

 

Press Windows key + E (To open File Explorer)

 

Click "This PC" > then follow the file path:

 

C:\Windows\Minidump

 

Copy the Minidump files and save them to another location, like the Desktop or Documents.

 

Then please upload it to Cloud storage like OneDrive or any cloud storage you are using, and please share the shareable link here.

To upload and share the link using OneDrive:

Go to this link: https://onedrive.live.com/, then upload the file.

Then, provide the shareable link by following the steps from this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-onedrive-files-and-folders-9fcc2f7d-de0c-4cec-93b0-a82024800c07

Answer 2

To recover from a bad Windows Update and stop the same update from repeatedly reinstalling, use these steps:

1. Uninstall the problematic update
   • In Windows 11:
     • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
     • Under Related settings, select Update history > Uninstall updates.
     • From the list, select the update that caused the crash and choose Uninstall.
   • Note: Some updates cannot be uninstalled.
2. If Windows will not boot normally
   • Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using installation media:
     • On a working PC, go to the Microsoft software download website.
     • Download and run the media creation tool.
     • Select Create installation media for another PC, choose language/edition/architecture, and create the USB/DVD.
     • Boot the affected PC from this media.
     • On the setup screen, select Next > Repair your computer.
     • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
     • Use dism.exe /image:<drive>:\ /remove-package /packagename:<package_name> to remove the specific problematic update package (as shown in the KB4074588 example). Replace the drive letter and package name with the ones for the failing update.
     • Close Command Prompt and restart.
3. Temporarily pause updates instead of disabling permanently
   • In Windows 10/11, updates can be paused for a limited time (as already done). This is intended only as a temporary measure while troubleshooting. Windows 10/11 are designed to stay updated for security and reliability.
4. Hide or block a specific update (if offered as an individual update)
   • For updates that continue to be offered even when the related product or component is effectively not usable, the documented workaround is:
     • Install the update once if required, then hide it so it is not displayed again.
     • In classic Windows Update/Microsoft Update UI:
       • Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update or Microsoft Update.
       • Click Custom.
       • Clear the check box next to the update.
       • Expand the update and select Don't show this update again.
       • Click Review and install updates.
   • On newer builds, the equivalent is to use the “hide update” mechanism or tools provided for your Windows version to prevent that specific update from being reinstalled.
5. If the system repeatedly fails after updates
   • If uninstalling and hiding the specific update does not stabilize the system, consider a repair/reinstall approach (for example, using Reset this PC with Keep my files) to return Windows to a clean state, then reapply updates.

This approach lets the problematic update be removed and, where supported, hidden so it does not keep reinstalling, while still allowing other security and quality updates to be installed.

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References:

• How to uninstall a Windows Update
• USB devices may stop working after installing the February 13, 2018 update (KB4074588)
• Windows Update or Microsoft Update offer updates for products that are not installed on the computer
• Windows Update: FAQ