Windows 10 update: New PC software is removing files from people’s computers, users say

'We’re working on an improved version,' says Microsoft

Andrew Griffin
Monday 17 February 2020 16:59 GMT
Comments
A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City
A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A new Windows update appears to be removing files from users' PCs.

The failed update was supposed to bring security improvements, but instead led to serious issues for the computer users who installed it.

The update has since been pulled and will be replaced with an "improved version", according to Microsoft. But because Windows 10 updates itself automatically, many people may already have it on their computer.

Initially, reports suggested that the update included bugs that would affect the menus on the computer. Users said their start menu or desktop would switch back to their default settings, losing any customisation.

But since then more dramatic problems have emerged, with users saying that files on the desktop were not just being hidden but removed entirely.

The new updates have been pulled but users may still be affected if their computer downloaded them and has not been updated since.

The latest problem update is known as KB4532693, and Microsoft said it would be fixing it with another download.

"We’re working on an improved version of this update in coordination with our partners," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "Please see here for more details including a workaround."

The company did not say when the new version of Windows would arrive.

The new issues follows another update, known as KB4524244, which was recently pushed out and then pulled when it became clear it was causing similarly destructive problems on people's computers.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in