How can I stop my laptop from wiping all my data every time there is an update?

[DaveJay97]

Whenever an update is installed, it always resets everything and deletes all of my stored files, desktop applications and browser settings. I am wondering how to prevent this from happening the next time an update needs to be installed?

Thank you

[Raj_05]

Hi @DaveJay97,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP 15.6-inch Laptop PC wipes all your data after an update, it is likely due to one of the following reasons.

1. Windows is performing a clean install during updates: This can happen if Windows encounters significant issues or you have inadvertently chosen a reset or clean install option during the update process.
2. You're logged into a temporary user profile: If your system encounters issues during updates, it may log you into a temporary profile, making your original files seem missing.

To prevent this from happening:

Verify and Manage Update Settings

Pause Automatic Updates Temporarily:

• Open Settings > Windows Update.
• Select Pause updates for 7 days to temporarily stop updates and check for system stability.

Ensure You're Not Using Insider Builds:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
• If you're enrolled in the Insider Program, consider switching back to stable builds as these are more stable.

Create Backups Regularly

Use File History or an external drive to regularly back up important data:

• Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
• Set up File History to automatically back up your files.

Use OneDrive or Google Drive for cloud backups.

Check If You're Logged Into a Temporary Profile

After updates, if your desktop and files seem to have vanished:

1. Open the Start menu, type "Account Settings", and check the logged-in user.
2. If you're in a temporary profile, restart your computer to try logging back into your main profile.

Prevent Clean Install during Updates

If updates trigger a reset:

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
• Confirm your Reset Options are not set to Remove everything.
• Avoid selecting "Reset this PC" unless absolutely necessary.

[Raj_05]

Perform a Health Check on Windows

Run SFC and DISM Scans:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

1. and

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Restart after completion.

Repair or Reinstall Windows:

• If the issue persists, perform a repair install using Windows Media Creation Tool. Choose the Keep personal files and apps option.

Prevent Forced Updates

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
• Under Update notifications, enable the toggle to receive update prompts so you can schedule or defer updates.

Update Drivers

• Outdated drivers can cause update issues. Use HP Support Assistant to ensure all your drivers are updated.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, consider reinstalling Windows cleanly and setting up the system afresh. This ensures no hidden corruption causes repeated resets.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support