This guide will show you how to uninstall Azure Arc setup from Windows Server 2022 that is added after installing the October 2023 KB5031364 cumulative update.

The October 2023 cumulative update KB5031364 adds an Azure Arc Setup Optional Component to Windows Server 2022. It includes a new Azure Arc system tray icon and a new Server Manager entry for Azure Arc Management. There is also a graphical installer for the Azure Connected Machine agent.

Azure Arc-enabled servers are designed to help you connect servers running on-premises or in other clouds to Azure. Learn more about how to connect Windows Server machines to Azure through Azure Arc Setup.

Install and Update Third Party Applications with Patch My PC
Install and Update Third Party Applications with Patch My PC

If you are patching your domain controllers running Windows Server 2022, chances are that the Azure Arc setup feature is installed on all these machines. Domain controllers do not require this component at all, even though it is added as an “optional feature,” especially if you do not want to integrate them with the cloud.

KB5031364

Many system administrators noticed that after installing the October 2023 Patch Tuesday update KB5031364, the Windows Servers showed up with a new Azure Arc setup component on the Start menu, including a system tray icon.

October 2023 cumulative update KB5031364 adds an Azure Arc Setup Optional Component
October 2023 cumulative update KB5031364 adds an Azure Arc Setup Optional Component

In the below screenshot, we see the Azure Arc system tray icon that was added after installing the KB5031364 update. When you click on the Azure Arc icon in the system tray, it displays an option to launch the Azure Arc setup.

Azure Arc Tray Icon
KB5031364 adds Azure Arc Tray Icon

If you don’t plan to use the Azure Arc setup to integrate your server with the Azure Cloud, you can safely disable or uninstall this feature from Windows Server.

Note: Uninstalling the KB5031364 update from Server 2022 removes the Azure Arc setup, but you should not do so because the update includes other security fixes that are critical to your server.

We will now go through some methods to remove the Azure Arc Setup feature installed on Windows Server 2022. Uninstalling Azure Arc Setup does not uninstall the Azure Connected Machine agent from the machine.

Remove Azure Arc Setup feature via Server Manager

Step 1: Launch the Server Manager and select Manage > Remove Roles and Features.

Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server
Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server

Step 2: On the Sever Selection window, select the Windows server from which you want to remove the Azure Arc setup component. Click Next.

Step 3: Click Next on the Server Roles section.

Step 4: On the Features page, uncheck “Azure Arc Setup“. This action will remove the Azure Arc Setup feature on the server. Click Next.

Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server
Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server

Step 5: The confirmation window shows the roles and features that are about to be removed, which includes the Azure Arc Setup. In the confirmation window, click Remove.

Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server
Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server

Step 6: The Azure Arc Setup feature is removed from Windows Server 2022. You must restart the server to finish removing this feature.

Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server
Remove Azure Arc Setup feature on Windows Server

Uninstall Azure Arc Setup using PowerShell

Removing the Azure Arc setup with PowerShell is faster, but it requires a system restart. You can use this method to remove the Azure Arc setup component on Windows servers managed by SCCM.

When you have multiple Windows Servers in your setup, you can add the PowerShell command to the task sequence and deploy it to the Windows Server 2022 device collection. This will help you remove the Azure Arc setup on multiple servers at once.

Run the below PowerShell command to uninstall the Azure Arc setup from Windows Server.

Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name AzureArcSetup

You must restart the server to finish the removal process.

Uninstall Azure Arc Setup using PowerShell
Uninstall Azure Arc Setup using PowerShell

Run the below PowerShell command to disable the Azure Arc Setup on Windows Server.

Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName AzureArcSetup

You must restart the server to finish the removal process.

Disable the Azure Arc Setup on Windows Server using PowerShell
Disable the Azure Arc Setup on Windows Server using PowerShell

Run the below PowerShell command to remove the AzureArcSetup Windows feature from Server 2022.

Remove-WindowsFeature AzureArcSetup

You must restart the Windows server to finish the removal process.

Remove Azure Arc Setup Windows feature using PowerShell
Remove Azure Arc Setup Windows feature using PowerShell

Still Need Help?

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Prajwal Desai

Prajwal Desai is a technology expert and 10 time Dual Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) with a focus on Microsoft Intune, SCCM, Windows 365, Enterprise Mobility, and Windows. He is a renowned author, speaker, & community leader, known for sharing his expertise & knowledge through his blog, YouTube, conferences, webinars etc.