Missing files and apps after update and shutdown

Question

I lost files and applications after updating and shutting down.

Answer 1

Hi Frank Vicari,

After a Windows update and shutdown, it may appear that files or apps are missing. In many cases, this is caused by a temporary profile, changed file visibility, or files being relocated during the update rather than being permanently removed.

In addition to Q&A Assist's answer, here are some possible checking steps that you can try in this situation:

1, Check for a temporary profile

• Press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter
• Run: echo %USERPROFILE%
• If it shows C:\Users\TEMP, your original files are usually still under C:\Users<your original username>

2, Search the entire PC for missing files

• Open File Explorer > This PC
• Use the search box (top‑right) and try:
  • *.docx (documents)
  • *.jpg (photos)

If files are found, right‑click > Open file location, then move them to your preferred folders

3, Show hidden files

• Go to Settings > System > Advanced > File Explorer
• Turn Show hidden and system files On
• Recheck File Explorer and search again

4, Check previous Windows folders

• Open C:\Users and look for your original username folder
• Check C:\Windows.old (if present) for previous files and app data

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Hi Frank,

This typically happens in two scenarios:

1. Your computer got logged in a temporary account.
2. Your PC has another drive which has Windows, and PC booted from it.

Let us try to remove the update:

Please open the Windows Recovery environment using either of the steps below:

On the Lock Screen, Press and hold the Shift key. Then, click the restart button on the lock screen located at the bottom right situated in the Power menu, to open the Windows Recovery options.

If you cannot reach the Lock screen or start your computer, restart your PC two times when the boot screen is shown. If your PC has no restart button, press and hold the Power button until the computer shuts down. Do this twice.

The third time, the Windows Recovery options should open automatically.

Choose the Troubleshoot option.

Select "Uninstall Updates," then choose either "Uninstall Latest Quality Update" or "Uninstall Latest Cumulative Update." CHoose the former option. If it does not work, choose the later.

Allow the process to complete.

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.