No October Windows 10 Update After Users’ Files Deleted

Microsoft paused rollout of Windows 10 October 2018 update due to reports of users missing data after updating.

One of the best-loved–and somehow simultaneously most despised features of Windows 10–is Microsoft’s death-grip it holds over users’ computers. The ridiculous hoop-jumping required to turn off automatic updates means more than a few hapless victims have taken to social media to express their outrage at waking up to some new update that they neither asked for nor wanted.

Of course, that means Microsoft has to learn through trial-and-error when one of its updates is especially upsetting. The new October update to Windows 10, for example, was actually shelved because it was deleting users’ files without permission.

According to a statement on its site, Microsoft said, “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.”

What do I do if I’ve lost files after updating?

It appears to be so bad that Microsoft not only wants you to contact them if your files have been deleted, but they also strongly urge you to do so either by phone or from another computer that hasn’t been corrupted.

“If you have manually checked for updates and believe you have an issue with missing files after an update, please minimize your use of the affected device and contact us directly at +1-800-MICROSOFT, or find a local number in your area https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4051701/global-customer-service-phone-numbers. Alternatively use a different device to contact us at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/(link will vary according to country of origin).”

Should I turn off automatic updates?

No matter what you’re running, from Candy Crush to your operating system, software updates are generally a good thing. They patch up vulnerabilities, correct issues to how it runs, and much more. Automatic updates are especially good for newer tech users who need to be secured without having to be reminded.

However, a lot of users prefer to maintain some measure of control over when or if their software updates, while even some novice users like to wait and see the public reaction to a particular update before installing.

While going through the multiple steps to block Windows 10 automatic updates is definitely not the recommended approach for everyone, it may be a safer bet for some users than allowing Microsoft to run rampant with their computers.