Microsoft warns ALL Windows users of reset error that could give your data away to strangers

MICROSOFT issued a warning regarding a new Windows 10 and 11 issue that fails to delete files even after a factory reset.

The software giant cautioned users in a new post that their data might not actually be gone after they reset their device using the “Remove everything” tool.

Microsoft uncovered a bug in Windows 10 and 11 that fails to delete files even after a factory reset.

Microsoft attributes the error to its cloud storage service OneDrive, saying that files that have been downloaded or synced locally might linger even after the reset option has been employed.

“This issue might be encountered when attempting a manual reset initiated within Windows or a remote reset,” the company wrote in their post.

Remote resets include those initiated from Mobile Device Management (MDM) or other management applications (i.e. Microsoft Intune or third-party tools).

However, OneDrive files that are “cloud-only” or have not been downloaded or opened on the device are not affected and will remain unaffected, even after a reset.

Rudy “Microsoft MVP” Ooms was reportedly the first to detect the bug after he found that remote and local wipes of systems running Windows 10 and 11 did not fully remove data and instead left them in the operating system’s ‘Windows.old’ folder, according to Techradar.

The issue affects Windows 11, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 21H1; and Windows 10, version 20H2, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft also noted that some device manufacturers and some documentation might call the “Remove everything” feature by another name, including “Push Button Reset”, “PBR”, “Reset This PC”, “Reset PC”, or “Fresh Start.”

How to mitigate this issue

Microsoft detailed some steps that Windows users can take to mitigate this issue, including signing out or unlinking OneDrive before resetting their Windows device.

To see the process for unlinking, turning off, disabling, or uninstalling OneDrive, users can head to Microsoft’s support page here.

Users also have the option of working around the issue on devices that have already been reset by deleting the ‘Windows.old’ folder via the Storage Sense in the Settings app (users can find the complete list of steps here).

Microsoft said that they working on a resolution for an upcoming release and will offer more information as it becomes available.

GettyUsers have two options to work around the bug until Microsoft fixes the issue[/caption]

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