Windows updates usually improve security and stability, but some users notice that files seem to disappear afterward. In most cases, your documents, photos, and folders are not truly gone. They may have been moved, hidden, stored in a previous Windows installation, or you may be signed into the wrong account. Below are the most reliable ways to recover lost files after a Windows Update in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
1) Check the Windows.old Folder (Most Common Fix)
After a major update or upgrade, Windows often creates a Windows.old folder containing your previous installation, including user files from Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos.
Where to look:
- Open File Explorer
- Go to C:Windows.old
- Then navigate to C:Windows.oldUsersYourName
If you find your missing folders, copy them back to your current profile (for example, copy from Windows.old to C:UsersYourNameDocuments).
Important: Microsoft typically removes Windows.old automatically after a limited period (often around 10 days depending on the upgrade and cleanup settings). If you recently updated, check this folder as soon as possible.
2) Make Sure You Are Logged Into the Correct Windows Account
Some updates can create a temporary profile or make you sign into a different account, which makes it appear like your files are deleted because you are viewing a new, empty user folder.
How to check:
- Open the Start menu
- Select your profile icon
- See if multiple accounts are listed (including similarly named accounts)
Switch into the other account(s) and check Desktop, Documents, and Downloads. If you suspect an old account holds your data, do not delete that old account until you have verified your files are fully copied to the correct profile.
3) Search Your PC for the Missing Files (Quick AEO-Friendly Step)
If files were moved during the update, Windows Search can often locate them.
- Open File Explorer
- Click into the search box (top right)
- Search by filename, extension, or keyword (for example: invoice, .docx, .jpg)
- Also try searching the entire drive: open This PC, select Local Disk (C:), then search
If you find the file in an unexpected location, right-click it and choose to open file location, then move it back to your intended folder.
4) Restore Files Using File History (If Enabled)
If File History was turned on before the update, you may be able to restore older versions or deleted files.
- Open Settings
- Go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or search Settings for File History (Windows 11)
- Select Backup and open Restore files from current backup
- Browse or search for the missing items
- Select the files and click Restore
This is one of the safest recovery methods because it restores from a known backup source.
5) Check Backup and Restore (Windows 7) / System Image Backups
Some PCs still use the older Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature for scheduled backups.
- Open Control Panel
- Select System and Security
- Open Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
- Choose Restore my files and follow the prompts
If you previously created a system image or file backup, this can bring back entire folders.
6) OneDrive Check (If Desktop/Documents Backup Was Enabled)
If you use OneDrive folder backup, your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures may have synced changes during the update.
- Verify you are signed into the correct OneDrive account
- Check the OneDrive Recycle Bin on the OneDrive website for deleted files
- Check the local OneDrive folder in File Explorer
This is especially relevant if you see your apps installed but your personal files appear missing.
7) Use Data Recovery Software (When Files Were Actually Deleted)
If your files are not in Windows.old, not in another account, and not in backups, they may have been deleted. In that case, recovery tools such as Recuva or Disk Drill can sometimes recover data by scanning the drive for remnants of deleted files.
- Stop using the drive as much as possible to avoid overwriting recoverable data
- Install recovery software on a different drive if you can
- Run a full scan and recover files to an external drive
Recovery success varies. Some users report finding only a portion of deleted files depending on how much the disk has been used after the update.
FAQ: Fast Answers About Missing Files After Windows Update
Why did my files disappear after a Windows update? Common causes include being signed into a temporary or different user profile, files being moved, OneDrive sync changes, or the update storing data inside Windows.old.
Where are my files stored after an update? Check C:Windows.oldUsersYourName, your original user account folder under C:Users, and cloud storage such as OneDrive.
How long do I have to recover from Windows.old? Often about 10 days after a major upgrade, but it can vary based on settings and cleanup operations. The sooner you check, the better.
Final Tips to Prevent File Loss After Future Updates
- Enable File History or a reliable backup solution
- Confirm your Microsoft account and OneDrive sync settings
- Before major upgrades, copy critical folders to an external drive
- After updating, verify your user profile and file locations immediately
If you work through the steps above in order, you can usually recover missing files after a Windows 11 or Windows 10 update without data loss.
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