How to Delete Windows Updates That Won't Install

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Microsoft keeps its customers' versions of Windows running properly by making software updates available on a periodic basis. However, there are many issues that can conflict with some updates, preventing them from installing properly. Often these updates are optional, yet Windows will continuously prompt users to install them if the installation never completes. To correct this problem, you can delete them from the list of updates waiting to be installed.

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Step 1

Click the "Start" button and select "Windows Update" from the "Programs" menu.

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Step 2

Click the "Custom" button. Click "Select and Install Other Updates."

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Step 3

Review the list of updates waiting to be installed on your computer. When you spot one of the updates that will not install, click the plus-sign button next to it to expand the options. Click the box next to the phrase "Don't show this update again." Repeat this process for any other updates that you don't want to be prompted to install again.

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Step 4

Click the "Review and Install Updates" button to save these settings and complete the process. Windows will not ask you to install these updates again unless you reverse these settings later.

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