Undoing Changes Made To Your Computer [Our Tested Solutions]

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Uzair Shabir

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Encountering an error message stating, “Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer,” while installing new updates or modifications to your Windows operating system is frustrating. In such a scenario, Windows will attempt to undo any recent changes if the installation fails. The error may arise due to issues such as failure to install updates, insufficient disk space, conflicts with software or hardware, system file glitches, corrupt data, outdated drivers, or incorrect configurations.

Method Difficulty Rating

Perform SFC And DISM Scan

Running a System File Checker (SFC) scan helps find missing or corrupt files in your computer and replace them with the correct ones. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans for issues during Windows installation or updates. Users on Microsoft forum upvoted for this method. Below are the steps:

1. Command Prompt: Type “cmd” in the search bar of your PC “Command Prompt” will appear in search results > Click the “Run as Administrator” option on the right to launch it in Administrator Mode.

   

2. Execute Codes: Now, execute these codes one after the other in the window.

   sfc/scannow
   dism/online/cleanup-image /checkhealth 
   dism/online/cleanup-image /scanhealth
   dism/online/cleanup-image /restorehealth

Launch In Safe Mode

Booting the computer in Safe Mode can help diagnose and fix errors since it loads only the essential drivers and programs for its functioning. You can then run an antivirus scan to identify the issue. 

1. Use Run Window: Altogether, press the “Windows+R” keys on the keyboard > Search the code “msconfig” in the Run box.

   

2. Go to System Configurations: It will lead you to the “System Configurations” dialog box > Head to the second tab, “Boot” > Leave a mark beside “Safe Boot” > select “Network.” 

   

3. Restart PC: “Restart” your PC to boot into Safe Mode and check for the error.

   

Rename The Software Distribution Folder

Renaming the Software Distribution Folder can troubleshoot errors related to installing newer Windows updates on your computer as I have tested this method myself. This action prompts Windows to recreate the folder and its contents, potentially resolving update-related issues.

1. Use Command Prompt: In the “Command Prompt” window, execute the following codes individually.

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

   

2. Use the Codes: These codes will pause the Windows Update services > Next, you need to rename the software update folders > Use the codes below.

   Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
   

   

3. Execute the codes: Finally, resume the Windows Update services with these codes.

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

   

4. Restart: Restart the computer.

Perform A System Restore

If you’ve recently made changes to your computer, like adjusting system configurations and encounter an error, those changes could be the cause. You can restore the system to a previous point to revert your computer to its prior state. However, you should System Restore to back up any essential files or data. ASUS forum users vouched for this method.

1. Do the System Restore: Go to the search bar and write “System Restore” > From the search, choose “Create A Restore Point” > Click “System Protection” on the upper pane > hit the “System Restore” button.

   

2. Press Next: Press “Next” > Choose the latest restore point and go with “Next” > Initiate the process by pressing “Finish.”

Manually Delete Recent Windows Updates

If you do not want to perform a System Restore, another option is to manually delete recent Windows updates. I myself have done this several times to avoid such issues. Incomplete installations can potentially contribute to errors like “Undoing Changes”. Therefore, removing problematic updates might help resolve such issues.

1. Select Programs: Double-click on the “Control Panel” icon from the “Desktop” > Select “Programs” from the list of options.
2. View Installed Updates: Under the “Programs and Features,” locate the sub-option to “View Installed Updates.”

   

3. Uninstall: You can view all the recent updates made to your computer > Find the most recent one and right-click on it > Press the “Uninstall” button.

   

4. Restart: Restart your PC after the uninstallation.

Final Words

Undoing the changes made to your computer error has made users scratch their heads not knowing what to with this especially on X (formerly Twitter) like one example is given below. 

I can’t switch on my laptop now. All it says is “undoing the changes made to your computer”
It’s like this since the morning.
What should I do!?! 😭#Help

— gayoume (@GayumiKW) October 24, 2020

This guide provides all the possible solutions to get around this error in a simple and easy way. Even though, this error may be hard to get rid of for some users, you should be able to troubleshoot the problem with the fixes mentioned above.

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Uzair Shabir

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com