Files missing after windows update

​It sounds like you’re dealing with the frustrating issue of missing files after a Windows update. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from accidental deletion during the update process to system changes that affect the file structure. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to try and recover those missing files.

Windows updates are designed to improve the functionality of your system, but sometimes they can have unintended consequences, such as causing files to go missing. Files might disappear after an update due to system errors, glitches, or changes in system configurations that affect the location or visibility of files.

Here are some common causes for missing files after a Windows update:

File relocation: Updates might move files to a different location or create a backup that temporarily hides them.

File corruption: Files could become corrupted during the update process, rendering them inaccessible.

Temporary profile: If your update caused a system error, you may have logged in with a temporary user profile, where your files aren’t stored.

Hidden files: Updates could potentially hide files or folders due to changes in folder settings or permissions.

Deletion during update: In rare cases, updates might lead to accidental deletion of files, especially if the system is restoring or reverting settings during the update.

Now, let’s look at how to recover missing files step by step.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

Before diving into more complex recovery methods, the first thing you should do is check the Recycle Bin. It’s possible that some of the missing files were accidentally deleted during the update process and ended up here.

Open the Recycle Bin: You can do this by double-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu.

Look for the files: Browse through the contents of the Recycle Bin to see if your missing files are there.

Restore the files: If you find your files, right-click on them and select “Restore.” They should return to their original location.

If your files aren’t in the Recycle Bin, don’t worry—there are other methods to try.

Step 2: Search for Hidden Files and Folders

Sometimes, a Windows update can cause files to become hidden due to changes in folder settings. Here’s how to make hidden files visible:

Open File Explorer: Press Win + E or click on the File Explorer icon in your taskbar.

Show hidden files: Click on the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window, then check the “Hidden items” box in the Show/hide section.

Search for your files: Use the search bar in File Explorer to search for the names of your missing files. If you remember the folder location, you can navigate to it manually.

Check your user profile: Sometimes files can be moved to a different user profile during an update. Make sure you check the correct user folders under C:\Users\[YourName].

Step 3: Use Windows File History

Windows File History is a built-in tool that automatically backs up files in certain folders, such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos. If your missing files were in one of these folders, you may be able to restore them using File History.

Open Control Panel: Press Win + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Navigate to File History: In the Control Panel, click on “System and Security” and then click “File History.”

Restore files: Click “Restore personal files” on the left side. This will open a window where you can browse previous versions of your files.

Select the missing files: Use the arrows to navigate through different versions of your files and find the version you want to restore.

Restore: Once you’ve selected the files, click the green “Restore” button to restore them to their original location.

If you haven’t been using File History, this method won’t work. However, it’s a good habit to turn it on for future protection.

Step 4: Restore Previous Versions of Folders

Windows also creates restore points during system updates. These restore points include previous versions of folders and files, which can sometimes be restored if they were lost during an update.

Navigate to the folder: Right-click on the folder where your missing files were located (e.g., Documents, Pictures).

Select “Restore previous versions”: From the context menu, choose “Restore previous versions.”

Choose a version: A list of available restore points will appear. Select a version of the folder from a date before the update occurred.

Restore: Click “Restore” to recover the folder and its files.

Note that this feature may not be available if your system hasn’t been creating restore points, or if the restore points were deleted.

Step 5: Use Windows Backup (If Available)

If you regularly use Windows Backup to back up your files, now is the time to restore your files from your backup. Here’s how:

Open Control Panel: Press Win + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Go to Backup and Restore: In the Control Panel, click “System and Security” and then select “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”

Restore files: Click “Restore my files” to begin the restoration process.

Select the files: Browse through your backup and select the files you want to restore.

Restore: Once you’ve selected the files, click “Restore” to recover them.

Step 6: Use Third-Party File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is built with an intuitive user interface that makes the recovery process easy for both beginners and advanced users. It supports a wide range of file formats, including documents, photos, videos, and audio files, ensuring comprehensive recovery across various media. The software works by scanning the storage device for traces of lost or deleted data, allowing users to preview files before initiating the recovery process. This feature helps users identify which files are recoverable, ensuring a more targeted and efficient recovery experience.

In addition to basic file recovery, Panda Assistant also offers advanced features such as deep scanning and partition recovery, which can recover files from drives with damaged or inaccessible partitions. The software supports both Windows and macOS platforms, providing a cross-platform solution for users with different operating systems.

One of Panda Assistant’s key strengths is its ability to handle a variety of data loss situations, whether caused by accidental deletion, file system corruption, formatting errors, or other types of data loss. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to recover important files, whether for personal or professional use, and offers a reliable solution with an emphasis on ease of use and functionality.

Step 7: Check for User Profile Issues

If you’re still not finding your missing files, the update may have caused issues with your user profile, such as logging you into a temporary profile. Here’s how to check:

Check if you’re using the correct profile: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type echo %USERPROFILE% and press Enter. This will show the path of the current user profile. Ensure it’s the one you normally use.

Switch profiles: If you’re logged into a temporary profile, log out and log back in with your usual account.

Recover files from the old profile: If your profile was corrupted during the update, you might still be able to access files from the old profile. Navigate to C:\Users\[OldProfile] to check if your files are there.

Step 8: Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work and your files are still missing, it might be time to consider professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise that can help recover lost data, even from damaged or corrupted drives.

Some well-known data recovery services include:

Ontrack

DriveSavers

SalvageData

These services can be costly, but if the data is important and irreplaceable, it may be worth the investment.

Missing files after a Windows update can be a stressful situation, but there are multiple methods to try and recover them. From checking the Recycle Bin to using third-party recovery tools or seeking professional help, you have several options for getting your files back. The key is to act quickly recovering files is easier before they are overwritten by new data, so don’t delay in trying these methods.

For future protection, consider enabling File History or regularly backing up your files, so you’re less likely to lose important data during system updates.