Windows users sometimes have trouble with the “Undoing changes made to your computer” error on their systems. This problem usually happens when Windows Update faces an issue, causing updates not to be installed properly. If you’re stuck in this cycle, don’t despair. In this post, we explain how to fix the “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” error, explore the underlying causes, and Besuretechno guide you through the step-by-step troubleshooting process.
Common Causes of the “Undoing Changes Made to your Computer” Error:
The “Undoing changes made to your computer” error generally appears when Windows cannot update. The most common reasons for this error are listed below:
Windows Update Failure:
- A failed or partial update can lead Windows to roll back the changes
- This generally occurs because of an irregular internet connection or sudden shutdowns during installation.
Corrupted System Files:
- Corrupt or missing Windows system files can interrupt the update processes.
- Running an SFC (System File Checker) scan can help to discover and correct your problems.
Interrupted Update Process:
- If the PC restarts or turns off while the updates are being installed, the updates will not be installed correctly.
- It can be because of forced shutdowns or power loss.
Insufficient Storage Space:
- Windows updates require sufficient free space on the system drive (C:).
- If your storage is low, the updates will not install properly.
How to check storage space:
- Open File Explorer > This PC.
- Verify the available space on the C Drive.
Incompatible Third-Party Software:
- Some antivirus programs or third-party programs might prevent updates.
- Temporarily deactivating antivirus programs may correct the problem.
Now that we know the causes, let’s talk about the quick fixes to get your PC running again like new.
How to Fix the “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” Error in Simple Steps:
Before starting with advanced troubleshooting, use these quick solutions steps to fix the error “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”:
1. Restart Your PC in Safe Mode:
Safe Mode helps you debug by running Windows with fewer processes.
Steps to Boot in Safe Mode:
Force Restart your computer:
- Press and hold the Power button until your computer shuts down.
- Turn it back on and do so 2-3 times until you see the Advanced Recovery Menu.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
Click on Restart and select Safe Mode with Networking (Option 5).
2. Verify Your Storage Space:
Updates for Windows require at least 10-20GB of available space.
How to view storage space:
Open File Explorer and browse through This PC.
Observe the free space on the Local Disk (C:).
If storage capacity is limited, make room by:
- Deleting unwanted files.
- Uploading large files to a cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Execute Disk Cleanup (Search for “Disk Cleanup” in Start Menu).
3. Remove External Devices:
- Disconnect any external hard drives, USB drives, printers, or other adapters.
- Restart your computer and check whether the error reappears.
- Sometimes, external devices interfere with Windows updates.
These temporary patches fix the problem in the majority of instances. If the problem continues, head to the Advanced Fixes page to see more troubleshooting.
Advanced Fixes to Repair the ‘Undoing Changes to Your Computer’ Error:
When these temporary solutions do not work, apply the following advanced troubleshooting forms to restart your PC normally.
Run Windows Update troubleshooter:
Windows includes an inbuilt troubleshooter for detecting and resolving update problems.
Steps to Follow the Troubleshooter:
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
- Go down to Windows Update and select Run the Troubleshooter.
- Follow on-screen prompts and restart your PC.
Use System Restore:
System Restore allows you to restore your PC to a previous working condition.
Step-by-step procedure for doing a System Restore:
Boot in Advanced Recovery Mode:
- Press and hold the Power button to shut down and restart 2-3 times.
- Select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Click System Restore and choose a restore point before the update failure.
Proceed with the instructions to complete restoring.
Delete Windows Update Pending Files:
If the corrupted update files are causing the issue, you may remove them.
Steps to delete Windows Update files:
- Boot in Safe Mode.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- Delete all the files in this folder.
- Restart your computer and try the update again.
Run SFC and DISM Scans:
If system files are corrupted, these commands repair them.
Steps to Run SFC and DISM Scans:
Open the Command Prompt as Administrator (Search “CMD” > Right-click > Run as Administrator).
Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
- sfc /scannow (Scans and fixes corrupted system files).
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (This fixes more severe Windows issues.)
Wait for the operation to complete and restart your system.
Last Resort: Reset Windows
If none of the above works, you can try to reset Windows, which will reinstall the operating system but preserve or delete your files.
Reboot Windows Without Deleting Files:
This choice reinstalls Windows without deleting your files.
Steps to Reset Windows (Keep My Files):
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to System > Recovery.
- In Reset this PC, click on Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files.
- Proceed with the instructions on the screen to reset.
Reset Windows by uninstalling everything (Full Reset):
A full reset will be needed if this fails to resolve the issue.
Steps to Reset Windows (Wipe Everything):
Finish Steps 1-3 of the last technique.
Choose Remove everything instead of Keep my files.
Select Local reinstall (recommended) or Cloud download.
Wait for Windows to restart and install fully.
Avoiding Future Update Problems.
- Regularly update your system: Install updates as they become available.
- Have Enough Disk Space: Regularly clean up your system to ensure enough storage space.
- Downgrade on Good Internet Connection: Do not update on a bad Internet connection.
- Remove Unwanted Startup Programs: Reduce conflicts.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the problem persists after the reset, then it could be a hardware issue (e.g., a bad hard drive or defective RAM). In that case, consider:
- Getting Microsoft Support.
- Have hardware diagnostics done by a qualified technician.
Tips:
Always make a system restore point before installing updates so that you will not repeat this mistake.
Conclusion:
These steps can resolve the “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer” error. Regularly updating your PC, maintaining sufficient free space, and creating backups should help prevent future issues.