Windows 10 1809 update deleted all files from Documents!

So why are there people that have upgraded to 1809 had no problems its not just me that hasn't had issues I simply followed the instructions during the upgrade.

Well, I talked with a tech in the Microsoft Store today, and he admitted that Microsoft will "slipstream" changes to an update - that is, change something while it's rolling out mid stream, as it were. I'm guessing that it depends on when you downloaded your update, and whether you had your Documents folder syncing with OneDrive.

I was early, and I didn't have the syncing, and I got hosed.

And I'm happy that you were OK - this stuff isn't easy of fun...

If you've not seen it, more info in this blog.

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/10/09/updated-version-of-windows-10-october-2018-update-released-to-windows-insiders/#2Jze8bBqM8E4Oues.97

i don't understand any of this i upgraded my pc to 1809 on the 4th of october i was given the option to keep my settings and files so i did and proceeded with the upgrade and i'm running windows 10 1809 without any problems could it be people chose not to keep their existing settings and files and just proceeded with the upgrade i also backup my files but as of today nothing has mysteriously deleted only what i myself have deleted so i am very baffled here why people are having problems and now microsoft have pulled the upgrade i have spoke to other people who have upgraded and neither have had these problems also there is another reason this may be happening they may have had malware on their pc that can delete files im sure microsoft will resume the upgrade very soon obviously they had cause to pull this and investigate those who are experiencing these problems i suggest running a deep scan on your pc's for malware etc

Punctuation helps...  but if I get the gist, you were asked to check a check box or click ok on an item saying "keep your settings and files" when you ran the update? And you updated through Windows Update or how? I'm wondering myself now if people just didn't see that item...

Hi, there is an option to install updates in much the same way as you would install Windows on a completely raw PC through bootable DVD/USB Stick. With the so-called Media Creation Tool (download from the Microsoft site - ask Bing or Google to direct you) you will be asked whether download for current PC only or for use on other PC's as well. I always chose the latter because one 4 - 6 GB download would cover all 4 of my devices. Once Microsoft had completed the download you'd be prompted to insert the USB Stick (minimum capacity 8 GB) and warned that any data on this thumbdrive would be erased. Once you've accepted that the tool will proceed to create the bootable stick. Once that is finished you're for the time being. No last 10 minutes until reboot, no such hassle.

Once you decide to initiate update you will be given the choice between completely fresh installation or the upgrade installation keeping files, settings and software installations. 

The end product is the same, just a different way of getting it done.

Btw, unless this data loss issue does not turn out to be the final wake-up call heard and acted upon at Microsoft headquarters my PC will have another OS,  even though things have gone well at my end  this time (leaving aside maintenance times on a level not known in over 25 yrs with Microsoft OS).

Regards,

John

Last night I updated to 1809, and it all went smoothly, but then I find that all my files in Documents are DELETED. Gone. Poof. This included many crucial documents and financial info. Yes, I have a backup (I think - using Windows Backup to a NAS). But this is pretty bad. Did no one in the first two rings run into this yet?

I understand (from the news) that this happens to all files in Documents that aren't synced to OneDrive. Further, the Documents folder is really an agglomeration of "Documents" from several different paths - not sure how that works, and it may or may not relate.

I attempted the same update and my system had the identical issues as yours. Unlike most of you I did not have a back up. I have the same question for MS. When are you going to fix this!!???

You can use the free version of Recuva

https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva

I’ve now tried over a week to get Microsoft to help me with my Level 3 problem ticket to no avail. I think they’re focused on fixing their rollout and not the critical problem impacting the victim computers. I keep reading where we’re to call and request help but Level1 only puts me in a Level2 queue and after 3.5 hours i hung up. No promised callback from Level3 over a week now