How to Fix: “We Couldn’t Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes” Error

The “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing changes” error occurs when Windows fails to install updates properly. This issue can arise due to insufficient storage space, corrupt system files, or problems with the Windows Update service.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective troubleshooting methods to resolve this error and successfully install Windows updates.

What Causes the “We Couldn’t Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes” Error?

Why Does the “We Couldn’t Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes” Error Occur?

The “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing changes” error commonly appears when installing Windows Updates or after rebooting your system. This issue can arise due to multiple reasons, including:

• Insufficient Disk Space – Windows updates require adequate storage to install. If your system drive is low on space, the update process may fail.
• Interrupted Update Process – Unexpected shutdowns, power outages, low battery, or unplugging your device during installation can cause update failures.
• Corrupt System Files – If essential Windows system files are damaged or missing due to recent software installations, system misconfigurations, or malware, updates may not install properly.

For a quick and efficient fix, consider using a partition manager tool like EaseUS Partition Master Professional. This software helps free up disk space, repair corrupt system files, and resolve Windows update errors efficiently.

How to Fix the “We Couldn’t Complete the Updates, Undoing Changes” Error

The good news is that this issue is fixable with a few troubleshooting steps. Here’s how:

1. Run Startup Repair

Windows has a built-in Startup Repair tool designed to fix corrupt system files preventing updates from completing successfully.

• Restart your computer and press the F8 key (or Fn + F8 on some devices) during boot to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• If the shortcut doesn’t work, force shut down and restart your computer three times until WinRE launches.

• Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• Let the tool scan and fix startup issues, then restart your PC to see if the error is resolved.

2. Use SFC and DISM Scans

If corrupt system files are causing the update failure, running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools can help fix them.

• Enter WinRE, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

• In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
  • This will scan and repair corrupted system files.

• Once the SFC scan is complete, run this command:
  DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • This will restore missing or damaged Windows components.

• After both scans finish, restart your PC and check if the update error is resolved.

These methods should help you fix the “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing changes” error and successfully install Windows updates.

3. Use System Restore to Roll Back Your PC

If your Windows updates fail, using System Restore can help by reverting your system to a previous state when everything was working properly. This method is particularly useful if a recent app installation or system setting change is causing the issue.

⚠️ Warning: System Restore may remove recently installed apps. Before proceeding, check which programs and drivers will be affected.

Steps to Use System Restore:

• Enter WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) and go to:
  Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.

• If you have multiple Windows systems installed, select the one you want to restore.
• Click Next, then choose an available restore point and click Next again.

• Review the details of your restore point to ensure your system was stable at that time.
• Click Finish and allow Windows to restore your system to the selected date.

After the process completes, your computer will reboot with the previous configuration. Check if the error is resolved.

4. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder to Fix Update Issues

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary Windows Update files. If these files get corrupted, they can prevent updates from installing properly. Deleting this folder can resolve the “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing changes” error.

Steps to Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder:

• Enter WinRE, then go to:
  Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

• Click Restart in the bottom-right corner.
• Select one of the following Safe Mode options:
  • F4: Enable Safe Mode
  • F5: Enable Safe Mode with Networking
  • F6: Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt

• Once in Safe Mode, press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the following commands one by one (press Enter after each):
  • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop bits
      • net stop cryptSvc
        • net stop msiserver
• Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and navigate to:
  C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

• Select all files in this folder (Ctrl + A) and delete them.

After completing these steps, restart your computer and check if Windows Updates install successfully.

5. Enable the App Readiness Service to Fix Update Errors

If the App Readiness service is disabled, it can cause issues with Windows Updates failing. Ensure your computer is in Safe Mode (follow the steps above) before proceeding.

Steps to Enable App Readiness Service:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
• Scroll down and locate App Readiness in the list.

• Right-click it and select Properties.
• In the Startup type dropdown menu, select Automatic.
• Click Apply, then OK.
• Restart your computer and check if the “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing changes” error is resolved.

6. Disable Automatic Windows Updates to Prevent Recurring Errors

Turning off automatic Windows Updates can prevent update failures from causing repeated errors.

Steps to Disable Windows Updates:

• Open Run (Windows + R), type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll down and locate Windows Update in the list.
• Right-click it and choose Properties.
• In the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled.
• Click Apply, then OK.

• Restart your computer.

🚨 Important: If this resolves the issue, remember to manually check for updates periodically to keep your system secure and up-to-date.

7. Reset Windows for a Fresh Start

If none of the previous solutions worked, resetting Windows can give you a clean system free from corrupted files or misconfigurations.

One more thing

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