What to do right now
- Check your original user folder in C:\Users and the C:\Windows.old folder first.
- Right after a major update, you can go back to the previous version for 10 days.
- If the files are still missing, keep use of C: to a minimum and scan with a recovery tool.
What to check, in order
Check for a temporary profile
If Windows warned about a temporary profile or the desktop looks brand new, open the folder with your name in C:\Users. If Desktop and Documents still hold your files, copy them to another disk, then sign in again or repair the profile.
Check Windows.old
After a feature update (a version upgrade), a C:\Windows.old folder may exist. Its Users folder sometimes holds files from before the update. Windows cleans it up automatically after about 10 days, so do not wait.
OneDrive and search
Check the Desktop and Documents folders inside OneDrive and the OneDrive website, and search all of drive C: for file names in File Explorer.
Consider going back
While Go back to the previous version is still offered under System recovery, rolling back is an option if the update caused the problem. Copy any files you have found to another disk before doing it.
If deleted, scan
If they are nowhere, run the FileFix Ultimate portable ZIP from a USB stick. The unsaved file finder lists previous user folders in Windows.old, and deleted file recovery finds deleted files on C:. Save results to another disk.
Why files seem to vanish after updates
A temporary profile appears when Windows cannot load your user profile during an update. Your files are untouched, but you are signed into an empty profile, so they look gone. Sometimes a restart brings the real profile back.
A feature update works much like a fresh installation and keeps the previous one in Windows.old. Personal files are normally carried over, but files that were not moved can end up only in Windows.old.
Do not rush Disk Cleanup
Deleting Previous Windows installation(s) in Disk Cleanup after an update removes Windows.old. Do not clean up until you have found all your files.
When recovery is difficult
- Windows.old has been cleaned up and drive C: is an SSD with TRIM.
- Windows was reset without keeping personal files.
- Many new files were written to C: after the update.
How FileFix Ultimate helps
- The unsaved file finder lists previous user folders in Windows.old.
- Restores deleted files on C: with their names and folders from NTFS records.
- Can use shadow copies (Previous Versions) as a recovery source.
- A portable version runs from a USB stick.
FileFix Ultimate is free, works offline and never writes to the drive you are recovering from. Check the signature before you run it.
Frequently asked questions
All my desktop files are gone after a Windows 11 update.
It is often a temporary profile or a OneDrive move. Check your original folder in C:\Users and the Desktop folder in OneDrive first.
Can I delete the Windows.old folder?
Not until you have found all your files. Previous user folders may still be inside it.
Will rolling back the update bring my files back?
It can help if the update caused the problem, but copy any files you can find to another disk first.