Windows 10 version 1809 RTM

How to recover deleted files after the Windows 10 October 2018 Update

If your files have been deleted after upgrading to the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Microsoft has tools to help you recover — Here's what you need to do.

Microsoft recently has stopped distributing the Windows 10 October 2018 Update as a result of numerous reports of missing files after the upgrade progress.

On its support website, the software giant stated: “We have paused the rollout of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) for all users as we investigate isolated reports of users missing some files after updating.”

In addition to pulling the update from Windows Update and through the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant, the company is also recommending users to call its support line to get assistance.

If your files were deleted stop using your device immediately to keep your chances of recovery and call the Microsoft support line. According to Dona Sarkar, head of the Windows Insider Program, the company has tools to help recover your files.

You can contact the company directly at +1-800-MICROSOFT or find a local number in your area https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4051701/global-customer-service-phone-numbers.

If you have access to a different computer, you can contact Microsoft at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/ (the link will vary according to country of origin).

Alternatively, a number of users have been recommending to use third-party tools, such as Recuva from CCleaner to recover your missing files, as it appears that files are actually marked for deletion rather then getting erased from the hard drive.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.