Windows update deleted programs When I boot up my laptop today, all of my files are gone, with the user account and things like google chrome and things like that being perfectly fine, albeit signed out. See if this helps. Oct 4, 2023 · How can I recover uninstalled programs on Windows 11? Use System Restore Click on the Search icon on the taskbar and type Control Panel, the moment Control Panel pops up in the search results, click on it, and the Control Panel window will open. Open Settings, and select Apps. Follow the below guides and steps. Once again, the latest Windows 10 update can trash your Documents folder files and make them so they are not recoverable. I rolled back the update with no success. old folder in time NOTE VERY IMPORTANT: Do Not copy your files into the Temporary profile you are currently in, when the situation is corrected, your files will be deleted with the Temporary Profile and will not be recoverable !! Windows has a built in services command, by using command prompt, then typing: sc delete wuauserv You effectively have fully removed all traces of Windows update It's not the route I would take again, certainly deleting the Windows update MEDIC SERVICE seems to be the best of both worlds. they are: 1] Delete contents of SoftwareDistribution folder manually. To delete the contents of the Software Distribution folder May 12, 2022 · Stop Windows Update services; Press Windows key + X and click Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell as administrator; Copy and paste the commands below and press Enter after typing each command line: net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop msiserver net stop cryptsvc Now remove files from Softwaredistribution folder; Nov 12, 2024 · Ethernet option was deleted with Windows update 24H2. I agree and select "update and shut down". Uninstall Updates through Windows Update Options. If you are experiencing issues with Windows update cleanup failing to remove files, here are some troubleshooting steps to help get the tool working properly again on your system: Gain Administrator Permissions. It was successful according to my PC and I used Bluetooth just fine after. Check in File Explorer to see if your files and folders are listed under C:\Users\[accountname]\Documents etc. Is it safe to delete Windows Update Cleanup, when using Disk Cleanup, without damaging the PC, Programs, etc. Choose Windows Update on the left menu, then select View update Apr 11, 2023 · WARNING: Latest Windows 10 Update (as of 4-11-2023) Can Delete DOCUMENTS folder files; DO NOT install latest Windows 10 Update! Once again, as in about 4 years ago, Microsoft has done it again. etc. - Use a file recovery software. This may help recover deleted files and programs. Exact similar scenario. Oct 8, 2021 · Windows update deleted all my files open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. Jul 25, 2024 · Do I have to reinstall software and apps after installing Windows 11? If you upgraded through an update, every app and software from before the update will remain as if you never touched it. Check, all the Windows update KB article numbers installed in the View your update history Window. That's because these major versions, or "builds," are treated differently from normal Windows updates. I used Windows Update Assistant to update to 1903. My work machine, a newer Lenovo ThinkStation, accepted the update with All the help on here says to update the drivers…can’t update them if we can’t download them since you deleted our Wi-Fi adapter drivers… I’m on my phone doing this, so don’t try to be smart about how I’m connected to write this. old folder manually. Mine also disappeared in 30 minutes after making a windows update. Nov 29, 2024 · Hi allA recent Windows 10 update appears to have deleted my documents file. Even though it’s possible to recover uninstalled or otherwise deleted Windows 10/11 programs, you should do whatever you can to protect them from accidental deletion, and the following best practices are a good start: Apr 3, 2022 · Method 2: Find deleted files after Windows 11 update using search If you are not logged into Windows with a temporary account, you may be able to find missing files by searching directly in the Aug 3, 2019 · Helen you r so right about that. 6] sfc /scannow. I turned it off 2 nights ago (Shutdown and Update) and when I came back to it yesterday, all the programs were gone, and today I find it had actually reset. I lost no data whatsoever. I would however like an explanation of why my personal files were deleted and where Onedrive comes into this. It is a compatibility update to help the system run better. Among a number of problems this caused with my PC the one left unresolved is that all my personal file folders such as documents, downloads, pictures, videos, etc are now all empty. etc. That's done by your router, and the connection is setup and maintained by your router's own configuration utility. Aug 4, 2019 · Hi, so I have Windows 10 on my PC. This is on a Lenovo Ideapad 330S. That update crashed my Windows OS . Feb 23, 2022 · How to Remove Windows 11 Updates. In such cases, you may consider using third-party data recovery software to attempt recovery, although success isn't guaranteed. The Software Distribution folder is a vital component for Windows Update, which temporarily stores files needed to install new updates. old folder, they might have been deleted or overwritten during the update. Sep 29, 2020 · If you do find your files . If you do find your files . Follow these steps: 1. The update doesn't change anything besides asthetics so don't believe it even requires an ironic review. 201. Aug 22, 2020 · And I get that a service like that requires money, if for example you accidently deleted your files or did something reckless without thinking. after doing the update I noticed that the files on my desktop were missing, so I decided to search for them in windows search. Dec 11, 2024 · 🔄 Software incompatibilities: Incompatibilities between the new update and existing software can cause files associated with those programs to become inaccessible or deleted. Disk Cleanup is a handy Windows tool that allows you to Jan 4, 2025 · Most likely, you are logged into a temporary account after the update. Thanks, I will defifnitely have to look at Form 2210 bc the figures they are using do not correspond to my 2020 Tax obligation, they exceed what I owed and in fact I received a Refund. 3] Run Disk Cleanup in Clean Boot State or Safe Mode. Dec 24, 2018 · I looked on another computer and there were such updates, but not yet on this one. Sep 29, 2024 · When you update Windows, the process may involve system changes that can inadvertently lead to file deletion. Welcome to the largest community for Microsoft Windows 10, the world's most popular computer operating system! This is not a tech support subreddit, use r/WindowsHelp or r/TechSupport to get help with your PC Mar 21, 2023 · Check for System Restore: You can also try to use System Restore to restore your computer to a previous point in time before the update. Also it installs all the "important" apps like candy crush, Twitter etc. Therefore, it's feasible to fix it by uninstalling the problematic update. I found them and placed them on the desktop as they were before the update. Go to the location where your program is installed (for example, the Program Files folder in local disk C). Oct 11, 2024 · Method 5: Uninstall the Windows 10 update to get your files back. Aug 27, 2024 · You can use the Command Prompt to delete the Software Distribution folder, which keeps all your Windows Update files. Feb 11, 2016 · My computer with Windows 10 did an update and removed all my programs (about 25+) without asking. Jan 11, 2014 · Windows Update deleted programs Turned on a laptop that hadn't been used for 2 weeks and Windows Updates auto installed. I am absolutely livid! I wasm't even aware it was trying to push an update through, but given that the usual symptoms started to crop up (every time Windows wants to force an update on my old-ass laptop, things stop working - sound, programs, etc. Press CTRL+A and press Delete to remove all files and folders. Click on Advanced option under Windows Update tab in the Update and Security Window. Sep 29, 2023 · How to Fix Windows Update Cleanup Not Deleting Files. Getting all programs removed after a major update is a rare case. All FireFox browser and history settings are deleted. Apparently the Powers That merged the Windows Update forums & the Repair & Recovery forums into the Update & Recovery forums when Win10 went RTW on 29 July. Jul 14, 2021 · When I upgraded to Windows 11, all the personal data and files that I had in Windows 10 were available in Windows 11 as well. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to launch Windows Settings. 4] Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Luckily, you can check out our dedicated guide on how to delete the Software Distribution folder . Oct 20, 2013 · I lost all installed programs: Office 2010, several Visual Studios and SQL Servers, etc. Click the ellipsis in the top right corner of the screen () Scroll through the list then click the download button next to the apps you had installed. Locate Windows update, right click on it and stop it. Check in Programs and Features to see if your applications are installed. However, to recover all my files, I would have to pay for the program. Apr 4, 2024 · To delete the update cache, open Run, type services. Before you do anything or move any files around . Jan 5, 2024 · Go to Control Panel > File History or use the backup software you were using. And if you run into trouble with unsupported software, there will be no official solutions, so you'll have to figure things out on your own. old folder - Microsoft Support. However Windows 11 being only an Insider build now, it's not recommended to blindly update without backing up your data. Windows 10 Pro 10. . u/Phantomsurfr told me to check the windows May 21, 2023 · Is it Safe to delete the Software Distribution Folder? Since this is a cache folder, deleting it won’t cause any issues on your computer. However after doing so, my pc now has the “activate windows” watermark. I have a massive media library that I can no longer access. old folders. Customer: A Windows 10 update deleted the installation file for a media library. 1 are worse than Windows Millenium and Windows Vista. Navigate to Windows Settings and choose Update & Security. Nov 12, 2020 · Automatically delete win download files in Windows 10 If you are facing issues with Windows Update you might try to use Windows Disk Cleanup in extended mode before moving forward with our I looked in the Update & Security: Recovery section and there was not an option to do so. - Check the Windows. If you can't locate your files within the Windows. I can go through the C Drive and click through and still see all my documents. Understand the reasons for data loss: The most recent release of Windows 11 has been one of the hot topics where Microsoft has reintroduced their OS in a ground-breaking manner. When you say you "already restored my PC" what does that mean exactly? Did you roll back the Updates via System Restore Oct 13, 2014 · Navigate to Programs and Features following these steps: On the main Windows 8. 1. if theres no way to unfuck the windows installation, which knowing windows there probably isn't. Whether they’ve been moved to a different location, hidden by a temporary profile issue, or marked as deleted by the system, several reliable methods exist to recover your data after a Windows update. Only good thing is that the documents/ppt's didn't vanish. Mar 20, 2017 · Same here - MICROSOFT; I let automatic update run and come home to find ALL files from desktop are deleted. Why it happens: Outdated software may not be fully compatible with the latest Windows updates. How can I fix this issue? Jun 1, 2017 · Basically when installing major updates, Windows may remove programs for compatibility reasons, especially if the programs are known to cause conflicts. While Win10 has a Windows Update-specific and a Backup & Recovery-specific subforum, Win8(. Results in Windows - Microsoft Community •Beware of Scammers posting fake Support Numbers here. 2] Delete contents of Windows. tx files on my laptop but it won't acknowledge. If you still have not found your files, look for a Windows. none of them Recently updated my computer (windows update). If a program is known to cause crashes, bugs, or otherwise conflict with Windows, Windows may remove it to keep your system stable. I don't even know if the files are corrupt or not. old folder in time Sep 17, 2023 · You can also scan your system for any malware or viruses that may be causing your apps to be deleted. Jun 6, 2018 · Please try these options one by one and check after each option. This is really upsetting and the worst the Microsoft has done with Windows 10. The HowToGeek recommended work-around for Windows 7 desktop solitaire has been completely wiped from the computer. It is a custom PC built by microcenter. Mine is worst. Then in File Explorer, go to C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download You can delete all files in this folder. This is unacceptable. and resets desktop. Jan 31, 2021 · If you still have not found your files, look for a Windows. old folder on your C Drive, expand that to open the users folder contained inside - check there for your files, icons . Open the Windows File Explorer from the taskbar and click on 'This PC' on the left. It stated Windows put me in a temporary account while it updated and did not move me back to my account and that is why I cannot access my files. old\Program Files. I use Edge on a desktop PC. The program is no longer offered and all installation links from Kerasoft have been deleted. * * Note: All these methods also work on Windows 10. Consider the upgrade to be a typical Windows feature update. Any suggestions most welcomeThanks Feb 11, 2021 · 2 days ago I decided to update windows. " Keep the window open. Jan 30, 2022 · Select Update and Security > View update history Click Uninstall Updates Under Microsoft Windows, select the recent January updates in the list then Click Uninstall Wait for the update to uninstall Restart your computer Once uninstalled, please try to 'Pause updates for 7 days'. There is nothing useful with Hey everyone, first time posting here. May 25, 2022 · How to Protect Windows 10/11 Programs from Accidental Deletion. Don't know what else (yet). old directory but there is nothing there. To access System Restore, type "System Restore" in the Windows search bar and follow the prompts to choose a restore point. First, we need to find the app we wish to uninstall. Then go back to Services app and right click on Windows Update to start again. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you. Several days ago some issues arose and I realized I had to update my Windows 10 version. Windows should not delete any file without my permission. I recently (Oct 17th/18th) allowed a suggested Windows software update on my HP Pavilion, and it deleted all the files off of my desktop. First, try running the Windows update cleanup as an administrator. If you have upgraded to a new version of Windows, your old files may be stored in a folder called Windows. Also somehow this "update" had the power to delete my Minecraft worlds. There is another way that you can go to the previous update to find your deleted files on Windows 10. Make sure you update your antivirus definitions and run a full scan of your system. Jan 4, 2016 · Does anybody know how to prevent Windows 10 from deleting programs and files after restart / update (or why does it happen)? After starting the computer, Windows 10 resets the wallpaper, deletes programs like Google Chrome, Spotify, Dropbox and Itunes. Just refer to the easy guideline to go back to the previous upgrade: 1. Once Control Panel opens click on Programs and / or Programs and Features. theres open source file recovery software called autopsy, install it on another hard drive and connect the hard drive that lost the files. in April I have encountered the known issue of a Windows update having deleted (or rather hidden) my user account and having created a temporary empty account with the same name. ) Thanks guys. It's safe to clear the content of the said folder because Windows 10 will always re-download and re-created all the necessary file and components, if removed. Jan 10, 2019 · If you do find your files . old folder. Trevor Dawkins. 1151. Dec 12, 2019 · Hi Lou. old on your C drive. Apr 15, 2021 · Earlier this week one of my Windows 10 machines completed a Windows Update (installing KB4598242, KB4586876 and KB890830) this update deleted all data and software configurations on the machine! The update seemed to delete the contents of ALL Profiles, this included (but not limited to) deleting everything in: AppData (subfolders) Documents Oct 19, 2020 · The answer is Yes. Check if Office 2013 is installed. 1) and older do not. Is there anyway to find out which apps the update has deleted. Threats include any threat of violence, or harm to another. How do I get my programs back? Aug 11, 2024 · If your programs or apps are getting uninstalled automatically after a Windows Update, follow these suggestions to resolve the issue and get your app back. Aug 15, 2022 · Windows 11 asked to update while I was about to shut down my laptop. ? The Disk Cleanup tool warns NOT TO DELETE: Service Pack Backup files, but gives no such warning about any of Jul 4, 2020 · It seemed to find some files in my deleted profile. Find and double click on Windows Update and then click on Stop button. Click on the Control Panel option among the search results. May 19, 2016 · Type update on the Windows search bar, select View installed updates and see the latest Windows update installed from the list. Why is Windows being so pushy with something like Solitaire? Seems petty to me. As soon as I logged in I noticed my background had chaged and all my files are gone. This will allow Windows Update to delete pending tasks and build a fresh new update check. old\Program Files (x86) respectively. To remedy I have done: - reboot or plain shut down and start up again for at least 8 times Sep 5, 2024 · Windows installs programs in different directories and folders, which means you need to remove any folders that are leftover from wherever they may have been created. The steps are as following: 1. Takes over a week to get everythings back and configured again. Hi, currently I have not received the update for Windows 11 in my Settings Update. Incompatible software: Some applications may not work well with the new update, causing them to malfunction and delete files. May 6, 2017 · I find it a bit strange if this update deleted anything. old folder in time NOTE VERY IMPORTANT: Do Not copy your files into the Temporary profile you are currently in, when the situation is corrected, your files will be deleted with the Temporary Profile and will not be recoverable !! Aug 11, 2022 · The program’s uninstaller is the second method to uninstall a program in windows. Have checked windows. This is caused by a bug in the Windows updates process, your files are not actually deleted, if they were, restoring Windows would not have brought them back, because that only restores System files and the registry. Jul 15, 2022 · Still none of my downloads and other files. Sep 23, 2023 · Retrieve files from the Windows. Select System Configuration > go to the Services tab. Oct 30, 2016 · Windows Update deleted program files from "Program files (x86) On Friday night the following updates were made to my computer: Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB3199986) Mar 31, 2023 · Hi James, I am Dave, I will help you with this. Open Run again, type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\, select all files, right-click a file, and choose the trash can icon (Windows 11) or "Delete" (Windows 10). Jan 13, 2022 · Help! 2 1/2 weeks ago my PC did a Windows 10 update and now all of my documents, files, photos, and software subscriptions are gone. 0 in Windows Update catalog, there is now another file for 64 bit and it can be installed. Laptop rebooted and updates finalised. Dec 11, 2024 · Recover files in Windows previous update. To delete Update cache, go to - C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder. Aug 18, 2024 · On 8/15/24 Windows went through an update. MS Windows Update deleted my Turbotax Program Files. Jul 3, 2020 · Windows 10 update removed a lot of my programs. msc, right-click "Windows Update," and choose "Stop. Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. I'm going back to Win7. Apr 26, 2022 · I don't know how it happened, but it seems to have reset windows during the update. You don't have to replace old logs with new one's as it will automatically be taken care by Update troubleshooter. I cannot understand why Microsoft deleted Office and all of the Office apps and all other programs as if a reset was done to Windows. Oct 24, 2022 · I have been experiencing the same issue for months nowas an example the latest Windows update uninstalled my Logitech mouse and keyboard software. However, this can be tricky if you’re not a bit techie. Is there anything I can do? EDIT: Nevermind, it did not delete all my files, it has simply instead insisted that the quick access link to the documents will show me an empty folder. You can open this folder and look for your files in the Users subfolder. and C:\Windows. Windows update deleted my files, help! So it seems as if my PC recently went through an update, I hadn't used it in about a week or so. I called Microsoft tech support and they couldn't help me get them back. Feb 11, 2021 · 2 days ago I decided to update windows. Go to the search box > type MSConfig. This time the wifi would not recognize that my network has internet. Uninstall Programs the Regular Way. You can use the built-in Windows Security app or any third-party antivirus software that you trust. Aug 12, 2020 · It's not possible for an update to Windows to delete your WiFi configuration, because Windows doesn't setup or maintain your WiFi connection in the first place. 23GB] , which looks to use ALOT of SPACE that this PC could be free of!. old folder in time In order to clear Windows Update cache in Windows 10 / 8 / 7: Press Win + R and then type services. Method 1. Windows 8/8. As for the programs that Windows seems to never remove, like Mar 1, 2024 · Harassment is any behavior intended to disturb or upset a person or group of people. Trying to find anyone that still has setup file. Method 2: Delete Old Windows Update Files With Disk Cleanup. Copied stuff over to the original locations, repaired (reinstalled) a few apps that weren't running and it was okay from then on. Nov 6, 2021 · Unsupported software might continue to work just fine, or it might not. old Folder Mar 1, 2016 · Windows may remove programs during an update for compatibility reasons. However, before you do so, make sure to disable all update-related services. Oct 11, 2013 · It additionally selects: Windows Update Cleanup [6. Builds of Windows 10--like the fall update, Windows 10's first big update--aren't like normal Windows updates or service packs at all. 2. Afterward, uninstall the app through Windows Settings or Control Panel to remove the program from your PC. In the newly launched window, select Windows Updates from the left pane and then click on Updates history in Mar 1, 2025 · In this step-by-step guide, you will find useful tips and methods to Recover Deleted Files After Windows 11 Update. BTW I am SQL Server DBA by profession - my employer told me to start looking at open source alternatives - no surprise why after experiences like this. Guide 1: Update to Windows 11 via Windows Update Mar 1, 2016 · It will only remove programs when updating to a new major version, or "build," of Windows 10. As mentioned in the following article This occurred if Known Folder Redirection (KFR) had been previously enabled, but files remain in the original “old” folder location vs being moved to the new, redirected location. Which is insane because it wasn’t an issue for well over a year until this update. there, copy them out as soon as possible as Windows will remove the Windows. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the Aug 29, 2014 · In case you have already run the Windows Update troubleshooter and a new Software Distribution folder has replaced the old one. Thus, upgrading to Windows 11 files and other data won’t be deleted if you do it correctly. Regards, Paul R. In response to your query, I would like to inform you that Windows update will not delete any files from the system, Windows update release to keep the computer stable and for It appears as though after installing the most recent Windows 10 updates to my computer, this update actually deleted some Microsoft Office 2016 programs from my system. Apr 4, 2023 · Type Services in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch the Service app. Tried everything I can think of to restore it but without success. Dec 2, 2024 · If you want to update to Windows 11 without losing programs and data, we suggest you use Windows Update or Windows installation assistant. EDIT: Solved. Oct 9, 2015 · Once you uninstall a device and delete the driver that came from Windows Update, this action is irreversible and you cannot get this driver back using Windows Update or Device Manager. As for the un-installable driver version 15. I’ve used the file explorer to search for the files saved there, no dice. Jul 13, 2012 · Can you said what happen to the Windows Update Forum. I went to my Microsoft account and ran through some trouble shoots. 0. Sep 22, 2023 · You may even delete it. Accidental deletions: During the update process, you might mistakenly delete files or folders. I found a file with a list of programs that were removed while resetting windows. If Windows 10's automatic updates delete your personal files, such as after updating to 22H2, then the problem is likely caused by the latest installation. The complete update should make changes, but not delete programs from a computer. . msc and hit Enter. ) I should have expected it. Provide us the Windows update KB number. Run Built-in & Guided Walk through Windows Update troubleshooter Built-in : Windows Key+X > Click Settings > Click Update & security > Click Troubleshoot > Click Windows Update > Click Run the Troubleshooter Jan 10, 2021 · After that, immediately perform a Clean boot of Windows. 5] Run DISM to fix Component Store Corruption. I got a question asking WHEN I wanted to update yesterday and I chose during the night. **Perform a Clean Boot Determine whether a background program or a software conflict is interfering with windows update service. This is done to ensure that the update will be installed successfully. If not, you may end up encountering more update issues than before. So, I wanted to Jun 11, 2019 · I can not delete this. But I did not do any of this, I did not choose to update. Dec 10, 2024 · How to Recover Files Deleted After Windows Update. All restore points have been removed. It might work fine now, but not after the next update to Windows. Windows didn't create a restore point so all programs including MS Office are gone. Very frustrating to say the least. Click on View your update history in the Advanced option Window. 19044 Build 19044 Aug 23, 2023 · Maybe they will give you the answer about why windows update delete the Excel version saved. Windows updated on my laptop today. C:\Windows. I still have the 2021 . Inside Settings it shows that my pc is able to update to Windows 11 as it met all the requirements. There is no trace of the files anymore on the computer. This feature takes snapshots of system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings and allows the user to revert them back to a previous state. May 1, 2024 · Wait for Windows to delete the selected files and free up the storage space. The next day Windows told me it needed to update and restart again. Restart (not shut down) your PC 4 times, each time let your PC get to the Desktop before the next restart, this will fix this issue a lot of the time. Windows did a windows update even I disabled it at night when I was not in the office. Dec 16, 2024 · Is Windows pre-installed on your device or you bought it separately from a third party seller? Also, please press Windows key + R and from the run box type in there cmd and press Enter or click OK and from the Command Prompt window type in there slmgr /dlv and post back the result from the Windows Script Host pop-up. Would there be any other way to get my files back? (I've also tried seeing Windows. Method 1: Recover Using Windows. Thats a shame. The best thing about this folder is that it auto-generates. Dec 22, 2021 · We understand that your problem is that your Spider Solitaire and the files were deleted after the Windows update. I have tried so many options. The easiest way to remove apps in Windows is through the built-in Settings app and Control Panel. 1 Start Screen type Control Panel in the Search box on the top-right corner of the screen. Both options are convenient to upgrade and install Windows 11 on your PC without worrying about data loss. important. May 25, 2022 · Both Windows 10 and 11 come with a useful backup and restore feature called System Restore. Jan 17, 2016 · Type Windows update on the search bar, then, click on Check for updates tab. Also, my wallpaper and several settings were changed. mlcr kcbwwdp nxnczgl izq sveg dcl ywwkz jpn uyh njztp xaib sguycv kmp wolk vlldfn