What you need to know
- A recent Windows Update appears to be deleting people's desktop files.
- Several user reports speak of similar issues following a recent Windows Update.
- The issue seemed connected to Windows 10 KB4532693.
Updated February 18, 2020: Microsoft staff state that Microsoft is aware of the issue. We've updated this article to reflect that and included more details about the bug. You can read more about the potential fix here.
Yet another issue seems to affect Windows 10 users as a result of a Windows Update. This time, people report that Windows 10 KB4532693 is deleting files from their desktops. Windows Latest spotted the reported issue on a Microsoft answers forum. The issue seems to delete all files saved on the desktop. It can also cause settings and the Start Menu to boot up in their default state, effectively deleting people's settings and customizations.
It's important to note that this issue isn't widely reported, at least not at the moment. Multiple users have reported similar issues, and Microsoft staff told Windows Latest that Microsoft is aware of the issue.
TechRader reports that some people have managed to restore their files, but others have been unable to do so. The issue renames and moves people's user profile, causing the file deletion problem. Microsoft's current fix for the issue involves creating a new local account, transferring data from the temporary account that the bug accidentally created to the new local account. This should get your data back, but doesn't seem to work for everyone.
An upset user within the Microsoft answer forum shared their experience with the issue:
Thank you microsoft for the latest updates which totally wiped all settings from my system on each start up. Everything reverted to basic settings. All my programme information and settings were also deleted from every programme on my system several apps were deleted completely keyboard settings, language screen res everything gone. Updates now turned off.
It's often difficult to determine how widespread and serious these types of issues are. As Windows Updates affect so many people, a spotlight is placed on any issue with Windows 10. If the user reports are accurate and the issue related to a Windows Update, it's the second update-related issue within the last week.
Microsoft recently removed Security update KB4524244 because it caused an issue on a subset of PCs. That update caused "Push Button Reset" to fail. This new issue seems more serious, as it could result in a large number of people's files being deleted.
Microsoft is looking for a fix to the recent issue, and we'll keep you updated on any progress regarding a fix.
