Overall, it’s not uncommon for Windows 10 to malfunction following updates and Windows 10 update bricked my computer is the topic of many update-related complaints. The leading cause of the bricking is incompatibility which is why the best solution is to uninstall the latest update. Besides that, you could consider updating drivers, removing third-party programs, making use of Startup Repair, taking advantage of System Restore, etc. Read to the end to be able to bring your Windows 10 PC back to working order.
The Bricking Of Windows 10: Triggers
Generally speaking, like other versions of Windows, Windows 10 receives updates from time to time. The updates mean well but if an update bricks your Windows 10 PC, it’s widely advised that you keep these suspects in mind:
- Updates.
- Drivers.
- Third-party programs.
- Windows.
How To Unbrick Bricked Computers
Note: In case you don’t know, two types of bricking exist: soft brick and hard brick. Soft-bricked computers still show some signs of life and Windows users should be able to recover them if they know what must be done. On the other hand, hard-bricked computers show no sign of life which complicates recovery efforts. If your PC is soft-bricked, try out the following fixes but if it’s hard-bricked, send it in for repair.
Uninstall The Latest Update
- Step 1: Shut down your computer by long-pressing the power button.
- Step 2: Turn on your computer. The moment Windows starts up, long-press the power button to shut down your computer again.
- Step 3: Repeat the process until you get to Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
- Step 4: In Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Step 5: Press either 4 (F4) to boot into Safe Mode or 5 (F5) to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Once you reach the home screen, press Windows + I to open Settings, select Update & Security and choose View update history in Windows Update. Next, hit Uninstall updates, right-click the latest update and pick Uninstall. After the uninstallation finishes, restart your computer.
Update Drivers
- Step 1: Disconnect all peripherals except mouse and keyboard.
- Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode.
- Step 3: Press Windows key, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
- Step 4: Right-click each of the devices, pick Update driver and hit Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Step 5: Restart your computer as soon as the process completes.
Remove Third-Party Programs
- Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode.
- Step 2: Once you reach the home screen, press Windows key, type Control Panel and hit Enter.
- Step 3: In Control Panel, change View by to Category then hit Uninstall a program under Program.
- Step 4: Locate third-party programs, right-click each of them and pick Uninstall.
- Step 5: Follow onscreen instructions to initiate the uninstallation. Last but not least, restart your computer.
Make Use Of Startup Repair
- Step 1: Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
- Step 2: In Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, choose Advanced Options and hit Startup Repair.
- Step 3: Allow the process to go all the way.
Take Advantage Of System Restore
- Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode.
- Step 2: Press Windows key, type System Restore and hit Enter.
- Step 3: Select System Restore, choose a restore point and initiate the restoration.
What Exactly Is A Bricked Computer?
For your information, a bricked computer is a computer that no longer works as a result of software, hardware and other issues. On Windows 10, updates could sometimes result in bricking
Is It Possible To Pause Windows Updates?
In times of need, you could pause the update of Windows. To do so, open Settings, select Update & Security and choose Advanced options. Next, click the drop-down menu under Pause until then pick the date that you want the update to resume.
Can Power Surges Brick Computers?
Not necessarily but power surges can corrupt data on your computer and severe ones can outright destroy its hardware. Hence, it’s a good idea to invest in a surge protector.