So you finally installed Windows 10 on your computer tonight and everything seemed to be picture perfect until you found out that some of the programs have been automatically removed from the Taskbar.
You assumed only some program shortcuts had been removed due to a bug, but to your horror, the File Explorer shows none of the programs have been spared and every single one of them has vanished from the Program Files (x86) folder!
Well, this is surely an extremely frustrating situation as you’ve lost important documents on which you worked endlessly for years, school projects besides a lot of personal stuff too!
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Basic Concepts
It’s a good practice if we first go through some basic concepts before we actually diagnose the problem and begin our attempts aimed at recovering data.
- Program Files (x86): This folder consists of all 32-bit applications installed on a 64-bit type of Windows.
- Program Files: In case of 64-bit Windows, this folder contains your 64-bit applications. If you’ve got a 32-bit Windows installed, obviously it will contain only 32-bit applications as you might already know that the Windows 32-bit version does not support installing any 64-bit applications.
Possible Causes
- You selected Keep nothing option at while you were upgrading to Windows 10. Upon selecting this option, any data stored on the system drive (C:) will completely be erased, but the data stored on other partitions will not be affected.
- You used the PC Reset feature that automatically removes all the programs as well as files to diagnose serious computing issues.
- Windows downloaded a buggy, incompatible or an incomplete update, that caused this blunder.
- A dying/ failing hard disk: Your hard disk may be on the verge of death.
Case # 1: Retrieving Files from Windows.old folder after Windows Upgrade/ PC Reset
After upgrading to Windows 10, all of your previous Windows files, Program Files, and User Data (Contacts, Documents, Downloads, Images, Music, Videos etc) are moved to a folder named as Windows.OLD. This folder is located on the system drive, usually, drive C:\
To make the task simpler for you, we’ve given the default locations of special directories. Remember, the actual drive may differ depending on where you’ve installed Windows 10.
Documents & Office Projects:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\Public\Documents
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Documents
Downloads:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\Public\Downloads
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Downloads
Music:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\Public\Music
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Music
Pictures, Wallpapers:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\Public\Pictures
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Pictures
Videos/ Movies:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\Public\Videos
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Videos
Contacts:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Contacts
Saved Games:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Saved Games
Favorites:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\Favorites
OneDrive Content:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Users\%username%\OneDrive
Program Files:
- C:\Windows.OLD\Program Files
Program Files (x86):
- C:\Windows.OLD\Program Files (x86)
Case # 2: A Buggy, Incompatible or Incompletely Installed Update caused this issue
There are other cases when Windows 10 users have complained about data loss and program files deletion after they installed a Windows Update. Strangely enough, Windows removed everything without the user’s consent and the problem seems to have started from the days Microsoft started releasing “major” and “large sized” updates.
Figure out the list of all recently installed updates, sort them in a datewise manner to look for large sized, major updates. Uninstall all buggy, incompatible updates. Although there is an option to defer upgrades, notify to schedule restart in the Advanced Options page of the Settings dialog, Windows 10 does not allow disabling automatic updates, unlike its predecessors. So, we recommend turning on the Metered Connection feature for your Wi-Fi. This will prevent your computer from downloading any further updates as Windows is befooled to believe that you’ve subscribed to a limited data plan and are extremely cautious sensitive about data usage.
Uninstalling Faulty Update(s):
Let us go through the step by step instructions to uninstall all buggy, incompatible updates:
- Press Windows Key + X; choose Control Panel.
- Click Programs | View Installed Updates.
- Click the Installed On column header to sort the updates in a datewise manner.
- Locate and uninstall large sized, major updates that you’ve recently downloaded. (Right click > Uninstall).
- Reboot your PC.
Setting Metered Connection for your Wi-Fi
Let’s change the Wi-Fi settings to enable the Metered Connection feature.
- Type Change Wi-Fi Settings in the Search box.
- Open it from Search Results only to get a new dialog named Network & Internet.
- Now you can see the active Wi-Fi name with an option to disconnect among other settings.
- Click Advanced Options.
- On the next page, move the Metered Connection slider to On.
You’ve got rid of faulty updates and prevented Windows 10 from installing any further updates.
Remember, when you connect the laptop with a Free Public Wi-Fi, Office Wi-Fi or a friend’s Wi-Fi, you’ll need to enable Metered Connection every time. Also, when you reset the Wi-Fi to diagnose Internet problems, its name, as well as the Metered Connection status, are all restored to their default values.
Recovering your Files
Use a third party Data Recovery software that analyzes multiple partitions for deleted files. Do NOT install new programs as well as defragment/ optimize your drive until you have successfully recovered your files. These processes greatly reduce the chances of a deleted file being recovered as they might overwrite on the hard disk sector the deleted file was situated in. Also, decrease any disk activities to the maximum extent by opening minimum programs as well as avoiding creation of unnecessary new files.
Setting Default File Associations & Default Apps
Have the file associations on your computer changed as well? Follow this procedure to customize them easily:
- Type Default Programs in the Search Box.
- Open that from Search Results.
- Set the default settings as follows:
- To set default apps: Click the link named Set your default programs. Select a program from the list box on the left. Click Set this program as default button.
- To set default file types: Go back to the previous page and click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program. Select a file extension (Example: .3gp) and click Change Program button in the upper right corner. Set a default program for your file type and click Close.
Case # 3: A Dying/ Failing Hard Disk (Damaged HDD)
This is a very serious hardware problem. At times, the hard disk fails to perform as desired. Frequent data loss can be a sign of a failing hard disk. Your HDD’s lifespan is nearing its end and you must take action sooner before it’s too late. Use the Windows Disk Check-Up utility at once. And as a last resort, replace your hard disk.
Use Disk Check-Up
- Double click This PC icon.
- Right-click a drive, choose Properties.
- Click the Tools tab, and then Check.
- Click Scan Drive button.
Prevention is better than Cure!
That’s it, folks! It’s a good practice to create backups on a regular basis and store them on external drives such as USB stick, External Hard Drive etc. This is an even better idea than storing data on the cloud since many backup apps support specific file formats only.
Only data backup isn’t sufficient. Create a Disk Image to protect your operating system files, program files in case of accidental loss. A Disk Image is an identical copy of the entire contents of a hard disk or any other storage media such as a DVD. It stores contents exactly as they are on the original media. A Disk Image will prove very handy if you want your apps and OS back.