Troubleshooting Windows Updates: When and How to Run the wushowhide Show or Hide Updates Tool
Windows Update sometimes installs drivers or feature updates that cause problems—compatibility issues, failed installs, or unwanted changes. The Microsoft “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter (commonly called wushowhide) is a simple diagnostic tool that lets you temporarily hide specific updates so Windows won’t install them automatically. Use it when a particular update is causing problems or you want to block a driver or optional update until a fix is available.
When to use wushowhide
- A recent update broke functionality. After installing an update your system or an app stops working.
- A driver causes instability. New device drivers introduce crashes, performance drops, or hardware misbehavior.
- An unwanted feature update is pending. You want to delay a major Windows feature update until it’s stable.
- Repeated failed installs. Windows keeps trying to install an update that repeatedly fails.
- Testing or staged rollout. You need to keep specific machines on a known-good configuration while other systems update.
What wushowhide does (and doesn’t)
- Does: Scan available Windows Updates and let you hide (block) or unhide (allow) specific updates. Hidden updates won’t be offered again automatically.
- Doesn’t: Permanently remove updates already installed, replace Windows Update service functionality, or substitute for other troubleshooting steps (e.g., uninstalling updates, rolling back drivers, or repairing system files).
Preparations before running the tool
- Note the problematic update. Record the KB number, driver name/version, or the update description shown in Windows Update or Device Manager.
- Create a system restore point or ensure you have a recent backup—especially before blocking or uninstalling major updates.
- Sign in as an administrator. The tool requires elevated privileges.
- Disconnect from VPNs or management tools temporarily if corporate policies may interfere.
How to download and run wushowhide
- Download the troubleshooter: Microsoft provides a small standalone troubleshooter named “wushowhide.diagcab”. (If you already have it, skip download.)
- Double-click the downloaded wushowhide.diagcab to run it.
- Click Next when the troubleshooter opens. It will scan for available and pending updates.
- Choose one of the two options when prompted:
- Hide updates — select this to prevent specific updates from being installed automatically.
- Show hidden updates — select this to re-enable updates you previously hid.
- If you select Hide updates, check the box next to the update(s) or driver(s) you want to block, then click Next. The tool will apply the change and confirm.
- If you select Show hidden updates, check the updates you want to allow and click Next to unhide them.
After blocking an update
- Restart if the troubleshooter or Windows recommends it.
- Monitor your system to confirm the issue is resolved.
- Windows Update will no longer offer the hidden update; Microsoft may eventually replace it with a newer update that you can install instead.
To undo (unhide) a blocked update
Run wushowhide again → choose Show hidden updates → select the update(s) to unhide → click Next. After unhiding, you can check Windows Update to install them manually if desired.
Additional troubleshooting steps if problems persist
- Uninstall the problematic update from Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history → Uninstall updates (or use Control Panel/Device Manager for drivers).
- Roll back a driver in Device Manager if a new driver caused the issue.
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
- Use System Restore to return to a previously working state.
- Check event logs (Event Viewer) and reliability history for error details.
- Search for a hotfix or patch from the device manufacturer or Microsoft if the issue is widespread.
Tips and best practices
- Use wushowhide as a temporary mitigation while waiting for an official fix.
- For managed environments, prefer Group Policy or Windows Update for Business controls to defer feature
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