Recovering Lost Data After a Windows Update Failure

Introduction

A failed Windows update can be extremely frustrating. Not only does it prevent you from getting the latest features and security updates, but it can also cause data loss if files become corrupted during the failed update process. The good news is that in many cases, you can recover lost data after a botched Windows update. In this article, I will provide an in-depth guide on how to recover lost files and get your system back up and running again after a failed Windows update.

Diagnose the Issue

The first step is to diagnose exactly what went wrong during the update process. Here are some things to check:

• Review update logs – Check the Windows Update log in Event Viewer for any error messages that indicate why the update failed. This can help pinpoint the cause.

• Check disk health – Use the CHKDSK utility to scan your hard drive and check for file system errors. A faulty hard drive could cause update failures.

• Test hardware components – Faulty RAM, hard drive issues, and other hardware problems can lead to update failures. Run hardware diagnostics if possible.

• Boot into Safe Mode – Sometimes booting into Windows Safe Mode can allow you to complete a failed update. If that works, there may be a driver conflict or other issue in normal mode.

• Restore from backup – A full system backup from before the failed update can restore your system, if available.

Thoroughly diagnosing the cause of the failure helps determine the best recovery method.

Use Previous System Restore Point

One quick way to revert your system is to use System Restore and restore back to the restore point created before the failed update. Here is how to do this:

1. Boot into Windows normally.
2. Type “System Restore” into the Start menu search box and select it.
3. Click “Next”, select the restore point created before the Windows update, and click “Next” again.
4. Confirm the restoration and wait for the process to complete.
5. Reboot the computer once it completes.

This will undo all system changes made during the failed update. Make sure to create a new system restore point once you get back into Windows so you have a rollback point.

Use Startup Repair Tool

The Windows Startup Repair tool can fix certain system issues caused by failed updates and allow Windows to boot properly again. Here is how to use this tool:

1. Insert your Windows install disc or bootable USB drive.
2. Boot from the media and select your language and keyboard input.
3. Click “Next” until you see the option to choose “Repair your computer.”
4. Select the “Startup Repair” option from the System Recovery Options menu.
5. The Startup Repair tool will scan and attempt to automatically repair issues so Windows boots again.

This is an automated repair process that works in many cases. It’s worth trying before moving on to more complex options.

Roll Back Problematic Update

If you can determine a particular Windows Update caused the issue, rolling back that specific update may resolve it. Here is how to roll back updates in Windows:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > View update history.
2. Click “Uninstall updates” at the top.
3. Find the problematic Windows Update in the list, select it, and click “Uninstall.”
4. Reboot your PC and see if the issue is resolved after the update is uninstalled.

Take note of which KB numbers you uninstall so you can avoid them in the future if needed. Rolling back specific updates often fixes issues caused by those updates.

Restore User Files from Backup

If your personal files and documents have become corrupted or lost during the failed update, you may be able to restore them from any backups you have. Here are some options for file restoration:

• Restore from File History – If File History is enabled, you can restore previous versions of files.

• Use Windows backups – Restore files from any System Image backups or backups created with Backup and Restore.

• Cloud storage – Restore files from any cloud backup services like OneDrive or Dropbox.

• External drives – Connect any external hard drives or devices that contain backups.

Take time to ensure important user files are restored from backup before proceeding if data loss occurred. Prioritize any documents, photos, downloads, and other personal files.

Do In-Place Upgrade Repair Install

If previous options do not resolve the issues, performing a repair install of Windows 10 can overwrite damaged system files while retaining your installed apps and data. Here are the steps:

1. Download the Windows 10 installer from Microsoft.
2. Run the installer. When prompted, select “Upgrade this PC now” to start the repair install process.
3. The installation will proceed like an update while preserving your files and apps.
4. Once completed, check if Windows is functioning normally again.

The in-place repair install is a more robust option that has a good chance of fixing problems from a failed update while saving you from losing your files and applications.

Reset Windows

If all else fails and Windows is still having issues booting and functioning properly, a full reset of Windows 10 may be required. This gives Windows a completely fresh start but removes all your installed apps and resets system settings. To do this:

1. Go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery and select “Get started” under Reset this PC.
2. Choose either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” depending on if you need to keep personal files.
3. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. Reinstall apps once finished.

Resetting Windows erases the failed update issues but should be a last resort since you will need to reinstall programs afterwards.

Conclusion

Experiencing data loss and system issues from a failed Windows update can certainly be stressful. However, in most cases you can recover lost files and get Windows functioning again by using System Restore, Startup Repair, rolling back the problematic update, restoring user files from backup, doing an in-place repair install, or resetting Windows completely. Take time to diagnose the exact problem, attempt the least intrusive options first, and focus on restoring important user data. With some targeted troubleshooting, you can get your system back on track.