Microsoft Corp. withdrew the latest update to Windows 10 over the weekend after reports emerged from users that it mysteriously deleted files on machines it was installed on.

Windows 10, described at its launch in 2015 as the last operating system Microsoft would ever release, now acts as a platform with semiannual updates. But while offering some updates to software with the latest release, the October 2018/1809 update also deleted files, with users reporting the deletion of personal files such as those in Documents and sometimes even Pictures, Music and Videos.

“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 wrote on the Windows 10 Update History page.

How widespread the file deletion problem is isn’t clear at this stage. Microsoft downplayed it while still withdrawing the update, but other reports claimed it may be somewhat widespread.

On Twitter early Saturday, Dona Sarkar, the chief “NinjaCat” of the Windows Insider Program, advised any users who have had files deleted to contact Microsoft support.

What is unknown at the time of writing is why the update is deleting files. Microsoft said only that “if you have manually downloaded the Windows 10 October 2018 Update installation media, please don’t install it and wait until new media is available.”

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for Microsoft given that Windows 10, for the most part, has delivered stability to its users, similar to the old “it just works” line claimed by Apple Inc. in its Mac advertising. Windows users who have not installed the update — most of them, since Microsoft had not started pushing it — are not affected.

Image: dcmot/Flickr