The October 2018 Update (version 1809) for Windows 10 stops rolling out as a manually install (using Media Creation Tool, Update Assistant, and Windows Update) due to a critical bug that is causing data loss to a small number of users.
Microsoft launched the new update during its Surface event on October 2, but only hours after the release users started reporting that the upgrade process deleted all their documents, pictures, videos, and other files.
On its support website, the company notes: “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.”
Microsoft is offering assistant for affected users
In addition, the software giant is advising affected users to call the company directly to find a solution for the missing files. If you downloaded the ISO file with version 1809, the company recommends not to use it to upgrade your computer.
Users losing their files wasn’t the only problem, several people have also been reporting a number of issues, such as visual glitches using the dark theme in File Explorer, notifications and Action Center not working as expected, and apps like Microsoft Edge and Store not able to connect to the internet even though the device has a working internet connection.
Additionally, recently Microsoft started blocking the October 2018 Update on devices with a range of Intel audio drivers.
Microsoft has a quality control problem
It’s unclear the exact number of devices affected, and it’s surprising that the company didn’t notice this problem before unleashing the update to users. Microsoft has an army of people helping to test Windows 10, but it appears that the company is having serious quality control problems, as this is not the first time of something like this happening. Previously, the company had to delayed the release of the April 2018 Update due to a bug causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).
Once the problem gets resolved, Microsoft is planning to offer a cumulative update for devices that already have the new version installed, and then, it’ll resume the rollout of Windows 10 version 1809 to compatible devices. The original plan was to make the update available as an automatic update during the October 2018 Patch Tuesday (October 9), but now, there’s a chance that the company may have to delay the release until Microsoft can ensure the safety of users files.
Update October 11, 2018: Microsoft has identified and fixed the file deletion problem with the October 2018 Update. However, the company is currently testing the fixes before resuming the rollout. If you have already installed the new version, you’ll be getting an cumulative update to address this issue.
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 15 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 21 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. Email him at [email protected].