When Windows 10 or Windows 11 gets stuck on the message “Undoing changes made to your computer,” it can feel frustrating. Your computer keeps restarting, and you can’t use it properly. This message usually appears after a failed Windows Update, leaving the system looping or frozen.

This guide will help you understand what this error means, why it happens, and how to fix it step by step. You’ll also learn how to stop it from coming back in the future. Everything is written in simple language so anyone can follow it easily.

What is “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”?

What is “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”?

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

You’ll often see this on the boot screen or startup phase, with text like “Undoing changes made to your computer. Don’t turn off your computer.” It might appear after installing a cumulative update, a feature update, or during a Windows restart. The message usually repeats until the rollback is complete.

Here are the most common causes:

  • Interrupted Windows Update due to power loss or forced shutdown
  • Corrupted 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  • Outdated or incompatible device drivers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 is blocking update installation
  • Network issues during the download or verification phase

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

How to Fix “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer”

Fixes can vary depending on your setup, but these methods cover all main causes. Follow them in order.

Fix #1: Wait and Restart the Computer

Sometimes, the system just needs time to finish rolling back. Let Windows run for at least 45–60 minutes. Don’t press the power button unless it’s frozen for hours. After rollback, Windows should boot normally.

Fix #2: Boot Into Safe Mode

If the message keeps reappearing, start Windows in Safe Mode. Here are the steps you can follow:

  1. Turn off the PC.
  2. Press the power button and interrupt startup three times when the Windows logo appears.
  3. On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced Options.
  4. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  5. Choose Enable Safe Mode.

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

Fix #3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool for update problems.

Here are the steps you can follow:

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  3. Follow the instructions on screen.

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

Fix #4: Use System Restore in WinRE

If the system keeps looping, restore it to a working point.

  1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using the Safe Mode steps above.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point before the update started.
  4. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

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

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

Corrupted system files often cause this issue. Use two tools: SFC and DISM.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

sfc /scannow

After that finishes, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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

Fix #6: Reset Windows Update Components

If updates are still failing, reset the Windows Update system.

Here are the steps you can follow:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Stop update services:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop bits
  3. Delete temporary update files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
  4. Restart services:
    net start wuauserv
    net start bits

This clears corrupted cache files and lets Windows rebuild update folders.

Fix #7: Check Drivers and Disk Health

  1. Open Device Manager and update all major drivers (especially graphics, network, and chipset).
  2. Open Command Prompt and type:
    chkdsk /f /r

    This checks for and repairs disk errors.

  3. If startup still fails, run boot repair commands:
    bootrec /fixmbr
    bootrec /fixboot
    bootrec /rebuildbcd

These tools fix boot and disk issues that stop updates from completing.

Fix #8: Reset This PC

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

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

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

Prevention Tips to Avoid This Error in the Future

Once the problem is fixed, take these steps to avoid it 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 big updates
  • Create a restore point before installing new updates
  • Update all drivers regularly through Device Manager or manufacturer websites
  • Don’t force shutdowns during update installation
  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter monthly

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

Conclusion

The “Undoing changes made to your computer” message means Windows tried but failed to install updates. It happens when system files, updates, or settings don’t complete correctly.

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

If the issue keeps returning, contact Microsoft Support or a certified technician for deeper help.
Share this article if it helped you and let others know which fix worked for you in the comments below.