Microsoft Hits Pause On Windows 10 October 2018 Rollout

Microsoft is temporarily halting the deployment of its newest Windows version, the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, following reports that blamed the update for deleting users’ documents.

The update, also known as version 1809 of Windows 10, had begun rolling out last Tuesday.

[Related: Windows 10 October 2018 Edition: 9 Key Updates For IT]

Multiple sites, including Microsoft's user forum and social media, have carried reports of users losing documents such as photos and music when the Windows 10 update was installed.

"We have paused the rollout of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) for all users as we investigate isolated reports of users missing some files after updating," Microsoft said on its Windows support site.

Microsoft urged affected users to contact the company, and said that users who have manually downloaded the update should refrain from installing it. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company has “paused the rollout of the update while we continue to investigate reports from some customers.”

The glitch appears to delete documents in the user directory that have not been stored on OneDrive, according to reports.

In addition to the deleted files issue, there were reports that the Windows 10 upgrade created compatibility problems with a number of Intel display audio drivers. That can increase CPU usage and cut into battery life.

Along with numerous enhancements for IT professionals, Microsoft has promoted the Windows 10 October 2018 Update as bringing a range of productivity improvements for users.

Those include the Your Phone app, which lets Android users send texts from their phone on their PC, and also get access to phone photos and texts on their PC.

In addition, updates to Timeline will let users "pick up where you left off" on websites and Office documents regardless of which device you're using, Microsoft has said.