windows update

Rolling back a Windows update is possible but should be a last resort because updates also contain important security fixes. Before rolling back, try these safer steps:

1. Check for and install any newer updates
   • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   • Install any pending updates and restart. Some Outlook/Windows issues are fixed by follow‑up updates.
2. Repair the Outlook profile and data (if using POP/PST)
   • If Outlook still opens, repair the profile and PST as described in:
     • Fix your Outlook email connection by repairing your profile
     • How to repair personal folder file (.pst)
   • If Outlook completely hangs after a recent Windows update and you use a POP account with PST, this matches a known issue after the January 13, 2026 Windows update. In that case, Microsoft recommends using webmail temporarily and repairing the profile/PST.
3. Use webmail as a temporary workaround
   • Sign in to the email provider’s webmail interface to send/receive mail until an updated fix is released or the issue is resolved.
4. If the issue matches the known POP/PST hang after KB5074109
   • For classic Outlook profiles with POP accounts and PSTs that hang/freeze after the January 13, 2026 Windows update, the documented workaround is:
     • Use webmail.
     • Move PSTs out of OneDrive if they are stored there.
   • A permanent fix will come via Windows/Office updates; rolling back the OS update is not the primary recommendation.
5. If choosing to roll back anyway
   • Rolling back a specific Windows update is technically supported but removes recent security fixes. It should only be done if Outlook is unusable and no workaround works.
   • To see which updates are installed (and potentially uninstall one):
     • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history to review installed updates.
   • Only uninstall an update if absolutely necessary and be aware this may reduce system security until a newer fixed update is installed.

If Outlook is completely unusable and the problem started exactly after a specific Windows update, using webmail plus waiting for a newer cumulative update is safer than staying permanently on an old build. If a rollback is performed, check Windows Update regularly and install the next update that contains the fix.

References:

• Classic Outlook profiles with POP accounts and PSTs hang after Windows updates on January 13, 2026
• Windows Update: FAQ
• Outlook Freezing and Not Responding and Not saving changes when ending the task - Microsoft Q&A