Automated Windows 10 updates deleted all my documents and files

I am very alarmed to read all the comments here!! Microsoft had better lift their game or they will end up with many lawsuits for damages due to loss of data. I learned very quickly when Microsoft would operate an update when you are not looking and then shut down the computer, thus wiping out the days work. This infuriated me when that happened whilst the computer was collecting live data..  There is no excuse for this whatsoever.

It may be time to switch over to some other more reliable operating system with secure methods of preventing these kinds of actions. This has been happening for a long time and it always defaults to udating without asking. I have since switched off all updates and set it to ask first. I have also been experiencing missing files... Using an 8.1 operating system has been terrible compared to the others.

**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, to temporarily postpone the updates for a year. (you may then cross your fingers that after a year MS has eventually get rid of its obnoxious major updates):
4. Still, as I said before in this forum, you may BLOCKMS Automated Updates altogether, as follows:

PROCEDURE for  permanent blocking of the automated updates

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

Group Edit à Computer Configuration à Administrative Templates

à Windows Components à Windows Update à 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 edit.

3.  When Local Group Policy Editor window opened double click onComputer Configuration

3.1. Now, double click on Administrative Templates

3.2. Next double click onWindows Components

3.3. Double clickWindows Update nearthe 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.

Thanks Vazhasp and I would echo the sentiment expressed in stronger tones;

Microsoft thinks it is too big to admit a fundamental flaw and has chosen the path of ignoring and minimizing this issue at the expense of its users, who have largely remained loyal for decades. This shows a distinct lack of morality which can only come from its leadership. Sadly this echos many major ITC players over the decades from the 80's onwards and is broadly along the lines of 'say nothing, admit nothing, get tame bloggers to minimize suggesting user at fault, small numbers affected, user changed settings etc etc'.

Sad but true they will never step up and admit anything.

I did everything you had said, but when I got to Step #2 (Method 1)

my Settings Window had frose.

I did actually restart and then sign in, but it didn't work.