Microsoft Resumes Windows 10 October 2018 Rollout

Microsoft has resumed the deployment of its newest Windows version, the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, after the company says it "thoroughly investigated and resolved all related issues" from reports of user files being deleted.

Multiple sites, including Microsoft's user forum and social media, had carried reports of users losing documents such as photos and music when the Windows 10 update was installed. In early October, Microsoft said it had "paused the rollout of the update while we continue to investigate reports from some customers."

[Related: Windows 10 October 2018 Edition: 9 Key Updates For IT]

On Tuesday, Microsoft executive John Cable announced that the October 2018 Update rollout is now starting back up—which includes the re-release of the commercial version of the update. Cable said the company investigated "isolated reports of users missing files after updating" and has resolved the related issues with the update, also known as Windows 10 version 1809.

"In addition to extensive internal validation, we have taken time to closely monitor feedback and diagnostic data from our Windows Insiders and from the millions of devices on the Windows 10 October Update, and we have no further evidence of data loss," wrote Cable, Microsoft's director of program management for Windows servicing and delivery, in a blog post.

While the previous major Windows 10 version—the April 2018 Update—had been the "fastest Windows 10 update rollout velocity" to date, "we are taking a more measured approach with the October Update, slowing our rollout to more carefully study device health data," Cable wrote.

Reed Wiedower, CTO of Washington, D.C.-based New Signature, said in an email to CRN that "we're excited that they have officially released Windows 10 version 1809 – lots of our customers hang off of the date that they certify this, so having 11/13 be the official release date can give us (and them) confidence."

"In cases like this, there's always a tension between what an internal legal team will allow a large organization like Microsoft to say, publicly, and a more personal approach," Wiedower said. "Although the past few weeks haven't been great, having a final public statement, in advance of large distribution, gives partners like New Signature, and all enterprise customers of Microsoft, confidence that the latest version of Windows 10 is supported for wide deployment."

Along with numerous enhancements for IT professionals in areas such as security and device setup, Microsoft has promoted the Windows 10 October 2018 Update as bringing a range of productivity improvements for users.

Those include the Your Phone app, which lets Android users send texts from their phone on their PC, and also get access to phone photos and texts on their PC.

In addition, updates to Timeline will let users "pick up where you left off" on websites and Office documents regardless of which device you're using, Microsoft has said.