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Microsoft fixes Windows 10 update issue which caused files to disappear

The October 2018 Update will not be available to the public immediately, as developers need to test it first.
The October 2018 Update will not be available to the public immediately, as developers need to test it first. The October 2018 Update will not be available to the public immediately, as developers need to test it first.

Microsoft has fixed a bug in its latest Windows 10 update which resulted in some user files to disappear.

The company made the unusual step of pulling the October 2018 Update days after it was released, following reports of data being deleted.

“We have fully investigated all reports of data loss, identified and fixed all known issues in the update, and conducted internal validation,” said John Cable, director of program management for Windows Servicing and Delivery at Microsoft.

Microsoft
Microsoft (Niall Carson/PA)

Windows Insiders, external developers who volunteer to test the latest Windows updates, have access to the fixed version of the software before it will be re-released to the public.

Microsoft said it will “carefully study the results” of feedback from testers and has made some changes to their feedback tool so developers can emphasise the severity of any bugs they uncover.

According to the PC giant, only one one-hundredth of one percent were affected by the problem, which was caused by three scenarios related to a feature called Known Folder Redirection (KFR).

“We have fully investigated these issues and developed solutions that resolve all three of these scenarios, so the ‘original’ old folder location and its contents remain intact,” Mr Cable continued.

“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.

“We apologise for any impact these issues may have had on any of our customers.

“We are committed to learning from this experience and improving our processes and notification systems to help ensure our customers have a positive experience with our update process.”