Automated Windows 10 updates deleted all my documents and files

Hello John,

Files being lost after an update may be caused by you're signed in with a temporary profile or the files are moved to Windows.old folder. We recommend that you follow the methods below to retrieve your files:

Method 1: See if you're signed in with a temporary profile

1. Go to Settings then Accounts.
2. Click Sync your settings on the left pane.
3. Check if you see a message at the top that states You are logged on with a temporary profile. Roaming options are currently unavailable, if yes; Restart your computer then sign in again.

Note: We can't sign into your account. This problem can often be fixed by signing out of your account and then signing back in. can also be address by restarting your PC and signing in again.

You should back up everything you worked on since upgrading to an external drive, or it'll be deleted when you sign out of the temporary account.

Method 2:

Select the search box on the taskbar and search for your files. If you don’t see them and you’re not signed in with a temporary profile, use the troubleshooter to fix problems with Search. In the search box on the taskbar, type indexing, and then select Indexing Options. Select the Advanced Administrator icon button to view more options, then select the Troubleshoot search and indexing link and follow the steps.

More things to try:

• Some files might be hidden from view. In the search box, enter Show hidden files and folders. Under Hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Then try searching for your files again.
• Look for all files of a certain type using the asterisk (*). For example, to search for all Word documents, search for *.doc. For music files, search for *.mp3.
• When you upgraded to Windows 10, some of your files may have been moved. To check the location of files you find, press and hold (or right-click) the file and select Open file location. Copy any files you want to move to a different location.

Method 3: Search for Windows.old folder

Click this link on how to retrieve file from the Windows.old folder. The article is also applicable for Windows 10.

If you think this was useful, feel free to "mark it as an answer" to help those who are facing the same problem.

Let us know if the methods above worked.

I tried contacting Microsoft about it and they refuse to respond I've contacted geek squad and they said yes they've been getting a whole bunch of complaints about what Microsoft has done they say it was a hack Microsoft hasn't been the same since Bill Gates retired my only solution that I found is to buy an apple

**Warning:**Despite, what may sometimes claimed, do not assume for a moment that Microsoft has solved the problem, even after so many months of reports and complaints.****Recently, as Microsoft tried to address some bugs, new bugs (including  new search issues 1903) began to show up after the MS automated update. 

I keep warning my friends about the issues of MS Automated Updates but nobody believes it until the same disaster happens to their computer and they lose many precious files or applications. In fact, the bug appeared few years back on Windows 10, and now is 2020-- still, not resolved or even acknowledged by MicroSoft.

The only way out: if you stricken by this MS "virus" and cannot retrieve your old files and applications, or if you still in the presaging waiting list, please take the following cautionary steps-- and please, FOR GOD's SAKE, inform others by sending them a copy of this answer:

1. Backup your important files and pictures by any means.
2. If you have important applications/ programs installed, you need a complete Image (cloning) of your hard disk)
3. If you have Windows 10 professional, you can go to Windows Setting> Updates and Security, and temporarily postpone the updates for a year. (you may then cross your fingers that after a year, MS would address the issue, but so far the company is in s***)
4. Still, as I said before, you may BLOCK MS Automated Updates altogether, as follows:

PROCEDURE for  permanent blocking of the automated updates (before crossing your fingers that MS may eventually get rid of its obnoxious updates):

In short: Navigate and disable the auto-updates via the following path:

Group Edità Computer Configuration àAdministrative Templates

àWindows ComponentsàWindows Updateà Configure Automatic Updates

à Disabled

What follows is a step by step procedure:

1.   Open Start.

2.   Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.

3.  When Local Group Policy Editor window opened double click on Computer Configuration:

3.1. Now, double click on Administrative Templates:

3.2. Next double click on Windows Components:

3.3. Double click Windows Update near the end of the list at the new window:

4.  After double clicking on Windows Update, find and double-click

the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.

5. Choose the Disabled option to turn off the Automatic Update policy, then Apply and OK.

Your analogy needs tune-up...

"This is like allowing a decorator into your home and then they decide where your furniture and possessions should be arranged/stored. Also, one should not have to be concerned about trying to enter your home to discover they have changed the locks or security code to stop you from getting into your own property!!"

Its more like leaving your door unlocked and a decorator randomly decides to come in and rearrange your entire house, but instead of moving YOUR stuff, they steal EVERYTHING, and put a bunch of **** in its place that you never wanted.

UPDATE: After being hit twice now by Microsoft on now an entirely different PC,

I find that looking closer, its actually more like;

You left for work, came home, and your entire house was GONE, your original yard is still there, but everything else GONE. Your family is sitting on the lawn having no idea when or where any of your possessions were taken and everyone on the block saw nothing. The one person who should know and you pay to know, was your security guard MS, but they suddenly have nothing to say, almost as if they have no idea who you are, but had no problem mowing your lawn, trimming the trees, and grating the dirt where your house once was, all while cashing their paycheck and patting themselves on the back for a job well done, although it was NOT their job, was not what you paid for than being left with nothing and ignored!

Sorry, I'M PISSED!

The Windows update deleted my desktop games.

I have gone thru the File Explorer, and was not successful in recovering those files.

SOS/

Thank you,