Automated Windows 10 updates deleted all my documents and files

I can only offer some guidance/things to check yourself.

Make sure you are using the same sign-in name as you were previously.

Check using File Explorer for any user name folders that are similar to your usual sign-in name. Expand This PC and then expand C:, expand the Users folder and look in the individual folder names listed for common default folders. (Desktop, Documents etc.)

If you want to try it go to Settings > Update and security select View installed update history and there should be an option to Roll back to the previous build. (if you have just updated)

Although this is after the event:

Always keep a second backup copy of important files.

Don't keep files on your desktop. Use the default folders Documents, Videos etc. and use shortcuts on the desktop to those file locations.

There is zero excuse for an autoupdate deleting everything on a computer. None.  I had already backed up everything because I knew about the garbage that Microsoft always pulls...  But I never would have thought they'd go this far.  Inexcusable. If I tried to run the family business this way we would go bankrupt in a month.

i totally agree, I woke up turned on my computer and was shocked to my core when over 300 gb of files had been deleted, my photographs, music everything....they even deleted from my desktop...then they come out with some super technical 'how to get it back ' psychobabble..........well you type in this and type in that......oh yeah thanks for your useless update

My machine ran an update last night while I was out, when I got home fired up the machine and it was almost reset to factory level, all documents, i music, photographs, videos have all been erased. I have tried using recovery software but they are nowhere to be found on the hard drive. I should NOT have to back up my files everyday due to the risk of Microsoft's arrogance to force updates which appear to be containing malicious capabilities.  I am terrified to turn on my laptop as that contains a LOT of very sensitive design data, what if they have all been erased.

So Microsoft, what have you done, why did you allow this update to contain such capabilities, and what are you going to do to enable me to recover my files. This problem is most clearly of your making, you take my money, I use the service, you cannot allow your system to wreck peoples lives at will.

FYI: The contents of the Windows.old file has also been erased, any more great advice you would like to share with us???

A recent update has wiped all of our files, pictures, music and deleted programs (iTunes). What next??