Automated Windows 10 updates deleted all my documents and files

Unfortunately, people pay attention to this issue when it is too late! And the issue is quite unbelievable : the MS major auto-update acts as if it is a virus (as bad as Coronavirus!) And nobody knows why MS does not address the issue after so many years.

As a precaution, one has to use Windows 10-professional setting to postpone the auto-update for one year, crossing finger that by then the bug has been eradicated by MS. But if you are not to fall for such "wishful thinking", go with the following procedure and block the Windows auto-updating for good. That is what I have done for two years now, and  feel safe.

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To permanently disable automatic updates on Windows 10, use these steps:

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. Now double click on Windows Components:

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

4. In short: Navigate to the following path:

Computer ConfigurationàAdministrative Templates

àWindows ComponentsàWindows Update

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

the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.

6. Check the Disabled option to turn off the policy, then Apply and OK.

I've just spent the last hour chatting with a Microsoft agent about this very problem.  I'm now having to hire a technician to help me, because none of the directions listed above (the same help given me by the MS agent) did anything to help.  My MS account has done this to me twice now.  Once in January 2020 and again this morning.

I refuse to believe that a company as big as Microsoft can't fix this problem.  Your updates literally stole work product from my computer.  I now don't know how I can possibly trust my computer to store anything.

If you have any other suggestions, I'm happy to listen, but if you don't then maybe Macintosh is the better answer.

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,

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!

**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.