Microsoft fixing and testing the Windows 10 October update after file deletion bug

Microsoft started re-releasing the Windows October update last week. The update was halted earlier due to a bug that was deleting user files and folders.

After data deletion was reported by multiple users, Microsoft pulled the Windows 10 October update. Microsoft investigated all of the data loss reports and fixed all known issues in the update. It also conducted internal validation and is providing free customer service for affected users.

Microsoft is currently rolling out the update to a few called the Windows Insider community. They will carefully study the diagnostics data, the feedback from the tests and from the insiders before general public release.

What caused the issue?

In the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, users with KFR reported an extra copy of Known Folders on their computer. Code was introduced in the October 2018 Update to remove these empty folders. That change, with another change to the update construction sequence, resulted in the deletion of the original “old” folder locations and their content. The PCs were left only with the new “active” folder.

The file deletion issue happened if Known Folder Redirection (KFR) was enabled before the update. KFR is the process of redirecting the known Windows folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Screenshots, Videos etc. from the default folder location to a new folder location. The files were deleted since they remained in the original “old” folder location instead of being moved to the new, redirected location.

Further actions

The team apologized for any impact these issues had on the users. In the blog John Cable, Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery stated: “We will continue to closely monitor the update and all related feedback and diagnostic data from our Windows Insider community with the utmost vigilance. Once we have confirmation that there is no further impact we will move towards an official re-release of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.”

For more details visit the official Microsoft Blog.

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