Massive Windows 10 fail: New update is crashing PCs and deleting files

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A new Windows 10 update has made some PCs unusable - here's how to uninstall it

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There's yet another disastrous Windows 10 update, and this one could seriously mess up your PC. A new update released this month is leading to major crashes and deleted files, but there is a way to uninstall the update if you're affected. 

Windows Latest (via TechRadar) reports that numerous users have been struggling with issues caused by Windows 10 update KB4549951. This update, released on April 14, was first reported to be causing just computer crashes (a.k.a. blue screens of death), but newer complaints have pointed to the troublesome update as the cause of lost files.

Here are the major issues spotted in this latest update, and what you can do to keep your PC safe from them. 

Crashes and blue screen of death

This update is causing multiple types of crashes, with at least seven different stop codes reported (listed by Windows Latest):

  • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
  • CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
  • ACPI_BIOS_ERROR
  • INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE
  • MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
  • DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
  • Portcls.sys

A few users are claiming that these shutdowns are occurring one after the other, meaning there's no way to actually access the PC and fix the problem.

Disappearing files

In addition to the BSOD problem, other users are reporting that files, including pictures, documents and apps, are being deleted. This is similar to a Windows update from a few months ago, which was thought to be deleting users' files but in fact was moving them to a new user profile.

How to uninstall Windows 10 update KB4549951

If you're suffering from these problems, here's how to uninstall the offending update. 

1. Within the Start menu, go to Settings.
2. Select 'Update & security.'
3. Select 'Windows Update.'
4. Select 'View update history' -> 'Uninstall updates'.
5. On this screen, find the KB4549951 update on the list, select it, and choose 'Uninstall.'

Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.