Microsoft has paused the October 2018 Windows 10 Update after a number of users complained that it files are being deleted from their computers upon installation. The version 1809 update, named Redstone 5, has been put on hold as Microsoft looks to solve the issue.
“We have paused the rollout of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) for all users as we investigate isolated reports of users missing some files after updating,” writes Microsoft on its support site for Windows Update.
It is reported that the update is mainly affecting users’ files stored in the Documents folder. If your files are missing, then the bug could have caught up with you.
The company has asked affected users to contact it directly, and that those that have manually downloaded the update should not install it but rather “wait until new media is available.”
What next?
Like we had recommended earlier, before you install the update, you had to back up your system such that in case something goes wrong in the installation process, you are on a safe side. If you did upload your files to an external drive or cloud storage, then you can get them back to get you going.
In the case that you did not back up and the bug has affected you, the chances of getting the files back are minimal. It is however advisable that you do not move, add, or delete any other files on your hard drive. Otherwise, you could lose out on more.
If you can afford a data recovery tool, you could try it out to see if things can get better.
In a tweet, Dona Sarkar – who runs the Windows Insider Program, said that users who have been affected by the crisis need stop using their machine, and contact Microsoft directly. She added that technical support teams “have the tools to get you back to a good state.”
#WindowsInsiders If you’ve run into the “missing files after update” issue for 1809/October 2018 Fall update, please call our support line. They have the tools to get you back to a good state. This build is no longer available to download manually: https://t.co/Ce9WVILknp pic.twitter.com/fvisQi1c8g
— Dona Sarkar (@donasarkar) October 6, 2018
Microsoft faced a similar threat with its Windows 10 April 2018 Update earlier this year which came with a Blue Screen of Death. Good enough, the problem was resolved before the update reached most end-users.
