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How to Recover Missing Documents and Photos After a Windows Update
Question details
The user needs to recover personal documents, photos, and applications that have disappeared following a recent system update.
- Product
- Windows PC and OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- After completing a Windows OS update and restarting the computer, personal files and applications are missing from their original locations.
- Observed behavior
- Documents, photos, and installed apps are no longer visible in local folders, and a standard system restore does not bring the personal files back.
Before attempting recovery, immediately stop saving new files or downloading software to the affected drive to prevent overwriting the space where your missing data may still reside.
Use OneDrive's 'Restore your OneDrive' Feature
If your PC was syncing files to OneDrive, you can roll back your entire OneDrive storage to a point in time before the update occurred.
This feature allows Microsoft 365 subscribers to undo all actions that occurred on any files and folders within the last 30 days. It is the most effective way to recover files that were accidentally deleted or lost during an update glitch.
Go to the OneDrive website in your browser and log in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right corner, then select 'Options', and click on 'Restore your OneDrive' from the left navigation pane.
Choose a specific date from the dropdown menu that corresponds to the time before the Windows update took place.
Review the activity chart and slider to identify the exact point of file loss, then click 'Restore' to revert your files.
Check Local and Cloud Recycle Bins
Sometimes system updates temporarily displace files or move them to trash folders instead of permanently deleting them.
Recover Using Windows File History
If you had File History configured prior to the update, you can restore missing files from your connected backup drive.
Prevent Future Document Loss with WPS Office
If your Microsoft Office applications or documents went missing after a Windows update, WPS Office provides a reliable, lightweight, and completely free alternative. With robust built-in cloud synchronization, it ensures your files remain safe and easily recoverable during system upgrades.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button to get the lightweight installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite on your Windows PC.
- 3. Enable Cloud Backup: Sign in to activate WPS Cloud. Your local documents will now be automatically backed up, ensuring they survive any future OS updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Windows System Restore recover my missing personal files?
No, a system restore generally only rolls back system files, registry keys, and installed programs to a previous state. It does not restore deleted or missing personal documents, photos, or data.
Why did a Windows update delete my files?
Typically, Windows updates do not delete personal files. Your files might be hidden, moved to a temporary user profile created during the update, or misplaced in a different directory like the Windows.old folder.
How can I prevent losing documents during future Windows updates?
Always back up your important files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or WPS Cloud before initiating a major system update.
Can I use third-party data recovery software if I have no backups?
Yes, if your files are permanently deleted and not in any recycle bin or cloud backup, professional data recovery software can scan your hard drive for recoverable data. Be sure not to save new files to the drive to maximize your chances of recovery.
