Microsoft has corrected a key issue with its latest Patch Tuesday update, which prevents user data from being totally wiped out following a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC reset.
The flaw, which was first discovered by Microsoft MVP Rudy Ooms in February, caused some user data to remain readable in the “Windows.old” folder after a remote or local wipe of a Windows 10 or 11 PC.
Additionally, the problem placed Bitlocker-encrypted data into the same folder, albeit it was viewable after that because the data was no longer protected.
The flaw was introduced by Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage service, according to the company. In a post on the Windows Health dashboard, Microsoft suggested that signing out or unlinking OneDrive before rebooting a Windows device could be a fix.
Meanwhile, patches will be released for Windows 11 and Windows 10 to properly resolve the issue.
According to sources, this issue affected Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 21H2, as well as Windows 10 versions 21H1 and 20H2. Although Microsoft has released the KB5011493 update to address this issue on both Windows 10 and 11, it may take some time for some devices to receive the repair.
In a new support page, the business stated that it could take up to seven days for some devices to properly resolve the issue after installing the update.
Users can also utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter to force the update to take effect right away.
Now that Microsoft has finally addressed and corrected the flaw, Windows customers can once again sell their old machines without fear of losing some of their sensitive information.
To read our blog on “Soon, Android phones will be able to run Windows 11,” click here.
