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

Windows 10
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

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
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.

Latest in Windows Operating Systems
Microsoft Office is finally as it should have been on iPad
Microsoft tests free Word, PowerPoint and Excel apps for Windows — expect a lot of ads
laptop anger
Latest Windows 11 update reportedly breaking major parts of the operating system
Windows 10 logo
Windows 10 end of life set for this year — everything you need to know to get ready
Windows 11 logo on a laptop screen
I reviewed Windows 11, and these are the 5 new features I'm most excited about for 2025
A Windows 11 laptop, demonstrating how to run Android apps on Windows 11
How to remove the Windows 11 news and weather widget
Man typing on Windows 11 laptop
Microsoft confirms major Windows 11 and Windows 10 audio bug is cutting sound on PCs
Latest in News
Netflix logo on a TV screen with a remote pointing at it
Netflix rolls out HDR10+ video quality upgrade but not for everyone
OnePlus 13 back, leaning against blue wall
OnePlus 13T could come with an even bigger battery than OnePlus 13 — this is incredible
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 just tipped for two major upgrades
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
A nervous woman looking at her phone
Is ChatGPT making us lonely? MIT/OpenAI study reveals possible link
Titus Welliver in Bosch Legacy season 3
‘Bosch’ season 3 preview: 5 things to know before the final season on Prime Video
  • Jaybird1944
    And, somehow, a lack of updates for Win 7 is seen as devastatingly bad. I'll keep using 7 until my computers stop working and then probably switch to linux
    Reply
  • stentor33
    admin said:
    After early reports of blue screens of death, Microsoft's April up for Windows 10 is also deleting some users' files, although there is a fix if you've been affected.

    Massive Windows 10 fail: New up is crashing PCs and deleting files : Read more

    How an update would delete user documents is baffling. Makes no sense.
    Reply
  • PSYDEWD
    I created this account to say this, Windows Update can Go *** Itself. My Entire Day was ruined. Got Massive nvlddmkm errors in logs. PC Froze->SHUTS Down-> Restarts-> Repeats, Cant even access the pc after logging in BAM!! instant ERRORS.

    Suspected EVERYTHING. My smps, power line, GPU, and Ups.

    Reinstalled Windows Thrice, Denied windows Update this time, Voila! everything works perfectly fine.
    Reply