Computer slow or broken after a Windows update?
This includes security updates that are pushed out on Patch Tuesday.
c’mon read the first two sections below before moving on to the troubleshooting steps!
How to Fix Problems resulting from Windows Updates When Windows Starts Successfully
power cycle your box.
Some problems seen after Windows update installations can be corrected with a simple reboot.
Some issues experienced after Windows updates are less “problems” and more annoyances.
This solution is very likely to work since all the changes made by the updates are reversed.
During theSystem Restoreprocess, choose therestore pointcreated just prior to the installation of the Windows updates.
If no restore point is available, then you won’t be able to try this step.
Test your memoryandtest your hard drive.
If either test fails,replace the memoryorreplace the hard drive, and theninstall Windows again from scratch.
Choose a repair method based on the version of Windows you have.
SeeHow to Reset Your PC in Windows 11/10for help.
You could alsoclean install WindowsifReset This PCdoesn’t work.
UseReset Your PCto reinstall Windows 8, retaining no personal files, apps, or programs.
SeeHow to Refresh or Reset Your PC in Windows 8for help.
You could alsoClean Install Windows 8ifReset Your PCdoesn’t work for some reason.
Windows 7:
Reinstall Windows 7, retaining no personal files or programs.
SeeHow to Clean Install Windows 7for help.
Windows Vista:
Reinstall Windows Vista, retaining no personal files or programs.
See How to Clean Install Windows Vista for help.
Windows XP:
Repair Windows XP, retaining personal files and installed programs.
SeeHow to Repair Install Windows XPfor help.
Reinstall Windows XP, retaining no data or programs.
SeeHow to Clean Install Windows XPfor help.
At this point, your system should be working fine.
How to Fix Problems because of Windows Updates When Windows Does Not Start Successfully
reboot your machine.
Whatever problem the update(s) caused could clear itself up with a simplepower off and power on.
Chances are you’ve already done this several times but if not, give it a try.
The Last Known Good Configuration option is only available on Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
Start Windows in Safe Mode.
If you could start inSafe Mode, follow the advice above in theWindows Starts Successfullytutorial.
If you’re free to’t, don’t worry, just move on to the next step below.
Complete an offline System Restore to uninstall the Windows update(s).
You’ll need to knowhow to start System Restore from the Command Promptin order to do an offline restore.
This option is not available in Windows XP.
You could experience the same problems again soon unless you make the preventative changes outlined in that article.
Test your memoryandtest your hard drive.
Replace the memoryorreplace the hard driveif the memory or hard drive tests fail, and theninstall Windows again.
SeeHow to Fix a Blue Screen of Deathif your issue is a BSOD.
Find your version of Windows below and perform the repair task listed.
Reinstall Windows 7, keeping nothing (no personal files or programs).
SeeHow to Clean Install Windows 7for help.
Reinstall Windows Vista, keeping nothing (no personal files or programs).
See How to Clean Install Windows Vista for help.
Repair Windows XP, keeping personal files and programs.
SeeHow to Repair Install Windows XPfor help.
Reinstall Windows XP, keeping nothing (no personal files or programs).
SeeHow to Clean Install Windows XPfor help.
Are You Sure This Is an Issue because of a Windows Update?
The troubleshooting in the two sections below is most helpful if your problem is caused byfully installed patches.
If Windows is stuck during the update installation process, see instead ourHow to Fix a Stuck Windows Updatetutorial.
Some popular companies that do this include Google (Chrome, etc.
), Adobe (Reader, AIR, etc.
), Oracle (JAVA), Mozilla (Firefox), and Apple (iTunes, etc.
), among others.
In Windows 10, go toSettings>Update & Security>Windows Update>Check for updates.
Tostop automatic updates in Windows 11, go toStart>tweaks>Windows Update>Pause updates.
In Windows 10, go toSettings>Update & Security>Advanced Options>Pause updates.
If Windows updates are slow, go toTroubleshoot Settingsand run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
