Latest Windows 10 Update removed ALL my programs.


  1. Posts : 24
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Latest Windows 10 Update removed ALL my programs.


    I had an update last night and afterwards I shut my PC off. I came back today and while Chrome was still installed, I used that for a few hours and was fine, until I noticed EVERY program I had installed on my PC was gone! What would cause this?! I've had Windows 10 installed on this PC for almost a year! The folders for the programs still exist, such as my music folders for iTunes, but all the programs themselves were completely removed! I'm quite upset about this and would appreciate any help with this issue.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #2

    I think I have the same problem. Windows recently updated on my laptop and appeared to be completely successful. However, all of the software that I installed myself (Microsoft Office, photo editing, Google Chrome + all my bookmarks and passwords, etc.) is now all gone. All of my files (documents & pictures) appear to be intact, however. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling Windows, which did not work. I couldn't do a system restore because I didn't have the box checked for that option (I do now). There are only four programs now showing on the computer in the "Uninstall or change a program" section. Have you had any luck with solving this problem? I have given up and started reinstalling the programs.

    My main problem though, is reinstalling MS Office. I had a version paid for by my previous employer. I now have to find a version to use for my current job as a private contractor. If I could somehow find it on my computer, that would be great.


      My Computer


  3. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #3

    Hi, I assume you are both saying that not only have the shortcuts to the installed programs vanished, but also that the program installation folders have disappeared too, and there is no record of them being installed e.g. in Control Panel, Programs and Features or the Settings equivalent.

    I can't recall hearing of this happening 'randomly' before- it sounds somewhat like a PC refresh (new copy of Windows, no installed programs, personal data retained).

    If the first para applies, there's nothing you can do to recover those - unless you already had created disk images (see below).

    I can only advise the following procedure for the future, which we strongly and repeatedly recommend. The routine use of disk imaging - e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) + boot medium + external disk/storage for image backups.

    These disk images are compressed copies of what's on your disk/partition/Windows.

    Even if your disk fails- simply buy a new one, restore your Windows system image and any other partitions, and your PC should be back up and running again.

    You can also extract files and folders from the images.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #4

    Thanks! Yes, the program shortcuts, installation folders, and any record of them in Control Panel vanished. I have seen a few posts on other tech forums with similar issues. I am not the most completely technologically savvy person around. All I know is that I went to bed one night with my computer fine and woke up the next morning with this. Windows looked completely different after I logged in (and it did the whole restart/wait while we install updates) and everything was gone. I did some Googling and found possible solutions - I restarted the computer, reinstalled Windows, looked in the "old" Windows file, etc. Nothing.

    I am resigned to the fact that I have to reinstall all of the programs that I had on the computer previously. My main concern (MS Office) has luckily been resolved via a discount offer ($10) through my husband's job. The rest of the programs I can find on download.com. And of course, I am doing disk imaging!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    Out of curiosity, what is your Windows build now, and do you have any idea what it was before?

    (Windows key + R, winver)

    And what does your Windows update history show? (Can you post a screenshot?)
    - you're lucky it sounds a relatively minor inconvenience.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #6

    Latest Windows 10 Update removed ALL my programs.-windows-10-update-screenshot.png
    When I do "Windows key + R", I get the following information:
    Windows 10
    Version 1607 (OS Build 14393.0)

    I am not sure what I had prior to this.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    Ok, that's the base build of 1607 - the anniversary build.
    Current is 14393.969

    It seems your PC has somehow done a refresh... which it certainly shouldn't!
    Refresh Windows 10 - Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 24
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #8

    I kept my files and personal information, I just lost almost all my programs, except for Chrome and Kaspersky. It doesn't feel any different until I need a program that isn't there anymore.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #9
      My Computers


 

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