Fix “Undo changes to your computer” in Windows 10/11

When Windows 10 or Windows 11 gets stuck on message ‘Undo changes on your computer’ it can be frustrating. Your computer keeps restarting and you cannot use it properly. This message usually appears after a failed attempt Windows updatecausing the system to remain in a loop or hang.

This guide will help you understand what this error means, why it occurs and how to fix it step by step. You will also learn how to prevent it from recurring in the future. Everything is written in simple language so that everyone can easily follow it.

What is “Undo changes to your computer”?

This message appears when Microsoft Windows tries to install updates but cannot complete the process. To protect your files and system, Windows rolls back or “undoes” partial updates.

You often see this on the website splash screen or start-up phasewith text as “Undo changes made to your computer. Do not turn off your computer.” It may appear after installing one cumulative updateA feature updateor during a Restart Windows. The message usually repeats until the rollback is completed.

These are the most common causes:

• Paused Windows Update due to power outage or forced shutdown
• Damaged system files or damaged Windows Update Components
• Limited disk space on the system drive (C:)
• Outdated or incompatible device drivers
• Disabled Windows Update service or Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Third-party antivirus software blocks the installation of updates
• Network issues during the download or verification phase

Each of these affects how Windows installs and verifies updates, leading to the rollback loop.

How to fix “Undo changes to your computer”.

Solutions may vary depending on your configuration, but these methods cover all root causes. Follow them in order.

Solution 1: Wait and restart the computer

Sometimes the system just needs time to complete the rollback. Let Windows run for at least 45-60 minutes. Do not press the power button unless it has been frozen for hours. After the rollback, Windows should boot normally.

Solution #2: Boot into Safe Mode

If the message appears again, start Windows in Safe Mode. These are the steps you can follow:

1. Turn off the PC.
2. Press the power button and pause the startup three times when the Windows logo appears.
3. On the Automatic repair screen, click Advanced options.
4. Select Troubleshooting → Advanced options → Startup settings → Restart.
5. To elect Enable Safe Mode.

This mode only loads basic drivers and can help uninstall the update safely.

Solution 3: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in update troubleshooting tool.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows update and click Walk.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This tool automatically detects and fixes update service issues or file corruption.

Solution #4: Use System Restore in WinRE

If the system continues to repeat, restore it to an operating point.

1. Start up in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using the steps above in Safe Mode.
2. Go to Troubleshooting > Advanced options > System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point before the update started.
4. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your PC.

System Restore brings back older, working settings without deleting your files.

Fix #5: Fix System Files (SFC and DISM)

Damaged system files often cause this problem. Use two tools: SFC And DISM.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

After that is complete, run:

The SFC tool checks file integrity, and DISM repairs the Windows image. Both come pre-installed with Windows.

Fix #6: Reset Windows Update components

If updates still fail, reset the Windows Update system.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. To stop update services:

   net stop wuauserv

   net stop bits

3. Delete temporary update files C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
4. Restart services:

   net start wuauserv

   net start bits

This will clear damaged cache files and allow Windows to rebuild update folders.

Fix #7: Check Drivers and Disk Status

1. Open Device management and update all important drivers (especially graphics card, network and chipset).
2. Open the command prompt and type:

   This checks and repairs disk errors.

3. If the boot still fails, run the boot repair commands:

   bootrec /fixmbr

   bootrec /fixboot

   bootrec /rebuildbcd

These tools resolve startup and disk issues that prevent updates from completing.

Fix #8: Reset this PC

If nothing helps, use it Reset this PC to reinstall Windows.

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose Save my files.

Windows reinstalls system files but saves your data. It’s a clean way to start over without losing any documents.

Prevention tips to avoid this mistake in the future

Once the problem is resolved, follow these steps to prevent it from happening again:

• Always connect to a stable power source and internet during updates
• Free up at least 20 GB of space on the C: drive before major updates
• Create a restore point before installing new updates
• Update all drivers regularly through Device Manager or manufacturer websites
• Do not force a shutdown during the update installation
• Run the Windows Update troubleshooter monthly

These habits help keep your Windows system healthy and prevent another undo loop of changes.

Conclusion

The “Undo changes to your computer” message means that Windows tried to install updates but failed. It happens when system files, updates or settings are not completed properly.

Follow the solutions above carefully – from waiting and restarting to running SFC and DISM, or resetting update components. If none of these work, you can always safely restore or reset Windows.

If the problem persists, please contact us Microsoft support or a certified technician for deeper help.
Share this article if it helped you and let others know what solution worked for you in the comments below.