(Solved!) PC Stuck on Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer

The 'undoing changes made to your computer' message could emerge for different reasons. This post will analyze the main reasons behind the issue and the 10 fixes you can apply. You'll also learn how to back up your files with EaseUS Todo Backup.

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Jerry

Updated on Nov 25, 2024

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Is your PC stuck on the "undoing changes made to your computer" message? Are you struggling to fix it? You shouldn't worry anymore since this guide has come to your rescue. EaseUS will elaborate on the main factors behind this issue and ten fixes you can apply to fix it. Keep reading to check how you can fix this error message on your Lenovo, HP, Acer, Razer, Dell, or MSI computer.

How to Stop Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer on Windows

This section will discuss how to fix it if your Windows PC gets stuck in this problem. We'll elaborate on all the possible fixes. Check below to apply these solutions on your Lenovo, HP, Acer, Razer, Dell, or MSI computer.

Fix 1. Enter Safe Mode to Uninstall the Recent Update

Booting into Safe Mode allows your operating system to run without some drivers or services. This makes it easy for you to fix faulty update problems. Follow these steps to enable this mode.

Step 1. Shut down your PC. Next, turn it on and keep holding down the power button to shut it down again when the Windows logo displays. Repeat this process thrice to enter "Automatic Repair."

Step 2. Click on "Advanced options" under the Automatic Repair screen.

Step 3. Navigate to "Troubleshoot">"Advanced options">"Startup Settings." Click "Restart" to open the "Startup Settings" menu.

Step 4. Pick option 4 to "Enable Safe Mode."

go to Enable Safe Mode

Step 5. You can easily uninstall the recent updates now that your device is in Safe Mode. Launch the Control Panel and select "Programs">"Programs and Features">"View installed updates."

go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > View installed updates

Step 6. Locate a recent update, right-click on it, and then select "Uninstall" to remove it. Repeat this step for all the recent updates. This will possibly fix the "undoing changes made to your computer" issue.

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Fix 2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Applying this fix can solve almost any computer error in Windows. The Windows update troubleshooter will diagnose your PC for almost every update problem. Check the steps below:

Step 1. Type "Troubleshooter settings" on your Windows 11 search bar. Hit Enter to open the setting.

Step 2. Select the "Other Troubleshooters" option.

Step 3. Navigate to "Windows Update" and choose the "Run" button. Wait for the troubleshooter to diagnose your PC and fix the update problem.

click Run

Fix 3. Turn On Metered Connection

This fix will limit your device's data usage, halting the Windows update process. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click on the "Network & internet." Next, pick "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" depending on your connection type.

Step 3. Click on the name of your internet connection to access more settings.

Step 4. Navigate to the "Set as metered connection" section and turn it on.

turn on Set as metered connection

Fix 4. Check the Event Viewer

The Event Viewer contains a system log of all the activities happening on your device. You can open it to check for activities that failed simultaneously with your Windows update process and fix them.

Step 1. Type "event viewer" in the search bar. Select "Open" from the search results.

Step 2. When the "Event Viewer" window loads, go to "Windows logs">"System."

Step 3. Check and find the events that failed simultaneously with your Windows update. Click on each event and follow the instructions displayed to fix it. This could help resolve the PC stuck on undoing changes. 

click each event and follow instructions

Fix 5. Disable Windows Defender Temporarily

Antivirus software like Windows Defender may flag a Windows update, preventing it from being installed successfully. You can temporarily disable this feature as follows:

Step 1. Search for "Windows Security" and select "Open" from the search results.

Step 2. Click on "Virus & threat protection."

Step 3. Next, click "Manage settings" under "Virus & threat protection settings."

Step 4. Toggle off "Real-time protection." This will temporarily disable Windows Defender. You can turn it back on once you complete the Windows update.

turn off Real-time protection

Fix 6. Run SFC and DISM Scans

The SFC and DISM scans help identify and fix broken system files that prevent Windows from updating to the latest version. Follow the steps below to run the scans:

Step 1. Open CMD as an admin.

Step 2. Type the following SFC command and press Enter to check for broken system files:

  • sfc /scannow

type sfc /scannow

Step 3. Run the following DISM commands once SFC finishes executing (hit Enter after each command).

  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

run the following commands

Step 4. Restart your device and resume the Windows update process.

Fix 7. Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder holds the temporary files necessary for a Windows update. You may encounter update issues if these files get corrupted. The best fix is to rename the folder as in the steps below:

Step 1. Run Command Prompt as an admin. Type the following commands and hit Enter after each (to stop the Windows Update Services):

  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver

Step 2. Next, you can rename the folder via the following command:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Step 3. You can then initiate the Windows Update Services again using these commands (hit Enter after each):

  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

Step 4. Try restarting your computer to confirm if this has fixed the problem.

Fix 8. Update Drivers

If you run on outdated graphic drivers, you may also face the "undoing changes made to your PC" issue. You can conveniently update the drivers via the following steps:

Step 1. Right-click the Start menu. Choose "Device Manager."

Step 2. Double-click on "Display adapters."

Step 3. Right-click the graphic driver under this category and select the "Update driver" option. You can heed the onscreen instructions to update the driver software automatically.

click Update driver

Fix 9. Perform System Restore

This fix allows you to restore Windows to a previous working version. You must have initially created a restore point to apply this fix. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Type "create a restore point" in the search box. Hit Enter to open it.

Step 2. Click the "System Protection" tab and select "System Restore."

select System Restore

Step 3. Click Next when the "Restore system files and settings" window displays.

Step 4. Choose "Recommended restore" and click Next to initiate the restore process. You can then proceed with the instructions that are displayed.

choose Recommended restore

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Fix 10. Reset Windows

You can apply this fix if your PC is still stuck on the undoing changes problem despite trying all the previous fixes. It will reset your device to its defaults and delete all the installed programs and settings. Be sure to back up your files before using this fix.

Step 1. Open Windows 10 Settings and go to "Update & Security">"Recovery."

Step 2. Navigate to the "Reset this PC" section. Click "Get Started."

Step 3. Select "Keep my files" under the "Choose an option" screen.

choose Keep my files

Step 4. Next, select "Local Reinstall." Proceed with the onscreen instructions to initiate the "Reset" process and restore your system to its default settings.

select Local reinstall

There are 2 ways to help you reset your Windows 11 PCs:

Bonus Tip: How to Backup Your PC for Data Security

You could lose your data if the unexpected occurs during a Windows update. To be on the safe side, you should consider backing up your files. Which is the most convenient approach to backing up your data? You can do that seamlessly via EaseUS Todo Backup, a professional and free Windows backup and recovery tool.

easeus todo backup

This data backup and restore tool offers a multi-path storage approach that allows you to save your files to different locations. With a few clicks, you can back up files to the cloud or NAS. You can also move the backup data to a network, external storage, or local drives.

It guarantees the accessibility of your files since you can restore them anytime. Todo Backup also supports incremental and different backup strategies. It can also help you create a Windows startup disk in case of a hard disk failure or system crash.

Want to back up your files quickly? Ensure you download this tool now to get started in just a few steps.

What Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer Means & Causes

You'll encounter the "undoing changes made to your computer" message from an unsuccessful Windows update. The error message signifies that the update process has encountered setbacks. Therefore, Windows is trying to erase the changes it made during the process. Various factors could lead to the unsuccessful Windows update. They include the following:

  • Corrupted system files.
  • Insufficient disk space.
  • Outdated graphic drivers.
  • Technical issues with the Windows Update Service.
  • An unsuccessful attempt to install the Windows update.
  • Conflicts with antivirus software on your PC.
  • Incompatibility of the update with the existing hardware.
  • A problem with your system settings.

The "undoing changes" message always disappears after 30-40 minutes. You must seek solutions if you get stuck on this issue for more than one hour. The next section will outline how to stop the issue and continue using your PC normally.

To Sum Up

This guide has outlined different ways to address the "undoing changes made to your computer" problem. This issue could arise due to different reasons. The ten fixes discussed in this article will help you fix the problem. The security of your data is important during a Windows update.

Ensure you save your files using EaseUS Todo Backup. This free backup tool provides a safer and quicker approach to safeguarding your data. Download the tool now to check how it works.

FAQs on Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer Loop

The common FAQs on this topic include:

1. Why Is My Computer Undoing Changes Made?

This happens because your PC has encountered issues hindering a successful Windows update. It's removing the changes made to your computer while attempting to update it. This returns your operating system to its previous working state.

2. What to Do If Your Computer Is Stuck on an Update?

You can apply the following simple fixes:

  • Enter Safe Mode to Uninstall the Recent Update.
  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  • Turn On Metered Connection.
  • Check the Event Viewer.
  • Disable Windows Defender Temporarily.
  • Run SFC and DISM Scans.

These fixes will likely solve the problem.

3. What Does It Mean When Your Computer Says We Couldn't Complete the Update Undoing Changes?

It means your device can't finish the update successfully due to underlying setbacks. The challenge prevents the update from proceeding; hence, Windows is undoing the changes. This may arise due to:

  • Corrupted system files.
  • Insufficient storage.
  • Incompatible hardware.
  • Outdated graphic drivers.

Ensure you check these issues to fix the update issue.

EaseUS Todo Backup

EaseUS Todo Backup is a dependable and professional data backup solution capable of backing up files, folders, drives, APP data and creating a system image. It also makes it easy to clone HDD/SSD, transfer the system to different hardware, and create bootable WinPE bootable disks.

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    Jerry

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