Microsoft Explains Why Windows 10’s October 2018 Update Was Deleting People’s Files

The update can be downloaded by Checking for Updates in Settings.

As we mentioned at the outset, Microsoft has been busy tackling a file deletion bug with the big update, and right now the rollout has been paused because this is a major potential worry, obviously enough. If the files were not moved and the October 2018 Update was installed the original "old" folder was deleted including the files in that folder (in this example c:\users\username\pictures would be deleted; c:\users\username\onedrive\pictures, the new location, would be preserved).

Though the problem may have affected a relatively low number of users, the result was a gut punch to Microsoft's current update process.

According to Microsoft, only one one-hundredth of a single percent of people who manually updated to version 1809 experienced data loss.

The company points toward Windows 10's Known Folder Redirection (KFR) feature, which allows Windows folders (like Desktop, etc) to be redirected from their default locations to new locations.

Unfortunately for some users, "that change, combined with another change to the update construction sequence, resulted in the deletion of the original "old" folder locations and their content, leaving only the new "active" folder intact", Cable said. This is the feature that lets you move a known folder like C:\Users\Name\Downloads to D:\Downloads, for example.

So just bear this in mind if you have successfully installed the Windows 10 October 2018 Update. Now, Microsoft has fixed the problem and explained what happened.

This includes fixes for system components such as the Windows kernel, graphics and file systems, the wireless networking and peripherals subsystems, along with the JET database engine, Windows Media Player and the Edge and Internet Explorer web browsers among others.

Based on that statement, it appears that the deleted files may be recoverable, but it's definitely a good idea to refrain from using the computer further to ensure that things don't get overwritten and lost forever.

Microsoft enabled new feedback functionality today that adds options to classify impact and severity of the reported issue. Still, if you lost any personal data after proceeding, be aware that Microsoft will offer free customer support online and at its retail stores.

Rather than immediately make the updated bits available to the public, Microsoft says it's limiting the initial release of this update to devices that are part of the Windows Insider Program.

If you did experience data loss, Microsoft Support advises you call +1-800-MICROSOFT for help.