In the realm of technology, the promise of updates often comes hand-in-hand with the potential for unforeseen complications. While updates are intended to enhance performance and security, they can sometimes lead to a cascade of issues ranging from minor inconveniences to significant disruptions. The recent experience with Microsoft’s August 2025 update (version KB5063878) serves as a stark reminder of this reality. This particular update wreaked havoc on Phison-branded drives, resulting in data loss, complete drive disappearance, and even permanent corruption. Despite both Phison and Microsoft denying responsibility, the fallout was undeniable, prompting investigations that revealed a pre-release firmware issue as the culprit.
Windows ships a faulty update
Such severe cases are not isolated. The infamous 2018 Windows 10 update (version 1809) is another example, where users found large swathes of their files inexplicably deleted. These incidents often attract media attention, leading to widespread discussions across tech platforms and social media. The silver lining? With so many affected, information about fixes and workarounds becomes readily available, making it easier for users to decide when to roll back an update.
Bugs, errors, and other smaller problems
However, not all issues stemming from updates are headline-grabbing. More commonly, users encounter smaller-scale problems that, while less catastrophic, can still be frustrating. For instance, after the launch of Windows 11 in late 2021, a gaming experience I cherished was marred by performance issues due to a new security feature that the game’s anti-cheat software wasn’t prepared for. Rather than waiting for a patch, I opted to roll back the update, restoring my gaming experience to its former glory.
Windows updates can be a compatibility nightmare
Compatibility issues frequently arise following updates, often causing hardware and software to clash. A notable example is the introduction of the TPM 2.0 requirement, which left some users scrambling for new motherboards to access certain applications. These compatibility challenges can be frustratingly difficult to diagnose, as they often manifest in subtle ways, such as error messages or erratic behavior from components. In many cases, rolling back the update is a straightforward solution to restore functionality.
Updates can slow down or fully stop your PC in its tracks
Performance issues can also arise from problematic updates. Symptoms may include sluggish application launches, unexpected crashes, or excessive resource consumption. These issues can stem from failed installations or corrupted drivers, leading to a frustrating user experience. Identifying the root cause can be time-consuming, but the consistent remedy remains the same: rolling back to a previous version.
Slow-burning, behind-the-scenes Windows Update issues can worsen over time when ignored.
Rolling back after all? Backup, backup, backup!
Should you find yourself needing to roll back an update, it’s essential to practice good data hygiene. Begin by backing up important files and creating a Windows System Restore snapshot. Once you’ve closed all programs, navigate to the Windows Recovery Environment to select the update you wish to remove. Allow the rollback process to complete fully before attempting any further actions with Windows Updates. This careful approach will help safeguard your data and ensure a smoother transition back to stability.
