The latest Microsoft Windows 10 update left users in a deep crisis. Apparently, the 1809 update deleted user files from their computers. Angry users immediately went to the company’s support site and on Reddit informing the majority of what happened. The updates were then postponed by Microsoft.
Microsoft then released a statement saying, “We have paused the Windows 10 October 2018 update (1809). We will investigate isolated reports of users missing some files after updating.”
Microsoft then let the users know they would bring back all those files the recent update deleted. Dona Sarkar (Windows Insider Program) also tweeted regarding this issue and assured users the technical support teams have the tools to fix their problems.
The worst part is Microsoft was warned this might happen. However, Microsoft did not pay need to the warnings; this only angered the users. Microsoft’s testing community warned the company before the update was released. Microsoft now says they will try to make changes to their feedback tool so they can be updated on the severity of bug reports before time.
However, Microsoft then fixed the bug that caused the data loss. Over the weekend the update was paused. Reports showed that the rate of data loss was not that large. Around one one-hundredth of one percent, users reported data loss.
John Cable, director of program management for Windows Servicing and Delivery stated that “We have fully investigated all reports of data loss, identified and fixed all known issues in the update, and conducted internal validation.” Microsoft is now continuing with the October 2018 update whilst carefully studying the results, feedback and diagnostic data from their Insiders.
Microsoft also explained to users why their data was deleted
Apparently, the users who had enabled Known Folder Redirection to redirect folder were the ones affected. Microsoft had introduced a code in the latest update to delete the empty (or duplicate) folders. However, this update deleted the files containing data. Microsoft has now solved the issue related to these folder redirects and is now being tested.
Microsoft will now monitor the feedback of the latest update and will officially release it once they confirm the issue is resolved. Cable also said, “We are committed to learning from this experience and improving our processes and notification systems to help ensure our customers have a positive experience with our update process.”
Windows 10 users have also demanded Microsoft to help them control regular updates. A similar situation occurred in January when the Windows 10 update turned PCs with AMD hardware into an unbootable state. Users should, therefore, keep a backup of all their data just in case something like this happens again.