Files have disappeared after a Windows Update - Folder changes

Hey Derek, sorry for the delay and thanks for the reply!

I have another question but it's a computer related issue if you don't mind my asking here.

I had one of those computer reboots or updates that happen randomly recently and one unfortunate thing that took place as a result afterwards for some odd reason is that all of the videos that I've downloaded in both my Downloads and Documents folders along with photos in my Pictures folder aren't seen.  I'm told that "this folder is empty" which shouldn't be the case because I never deleted any of those videos and photos.  I can also see that my computer hasn't gained any more G space so I'm certain that all of those videos and pictures couldn't have been deleted. 

Please let me know what I can do to restore all of that.

Thanks
Keith 

Hi Keith
I have moved your new message into it's own new thread in the Computer Hardware sub-forum.

I became aware of a major and confusing issue with default folder locations, after I had to reinstall Windows 11 very recently.
I'm guessing that Microsoft is now pushing some updates, that reflect the changes made to Windows 11 and folders (re:OneDrive).

Windows updates cannot delete any of your data files.
I do remember a recent change to Windows 11, that Microsoft was called out on for being illegal, because it made changes without asking for permission first - this has since been partly rectified, but Microsoft is still trying to trick people into using OneDrive folders as the default save location, instead of using the Storage Drives on your computer.

The other thing about this change, is that by default, Windows is now trying to backup all your Documents/Downloads/Pictures etc... into the OneDrive cloud.
Like most people, I am furious about this change, but it can be turned off.

Use Windows Search to find location of files
If you have Indexing turned on, you can use Windows Search in Taskbar to find exact location of missing files.
Search for something you know should be there.
In the results that pop-up, hovering over file will show exact file location or Right-click and select Open File Location.

Your computer
Do you have more than one drive on your computer ?
Go to This PC and here you can see all your drives.
If you have more than one C-Drive and have all your data on a 2nd hard drive, select 2nd hard drive and keep double-clicking until your find your Documents. Downloads, etc...
If you only have the C-Drive, go to Local Disk (C:) / Users / your username / here will be all your data folders, including the dreaded OneDrive.

Here is a BIG tip, for keeping your folder structure clean and easy to understand.
Open File Explorer (Documents)
Right-click in the blank space near bottom of folder tree and only turn ON:
Show This PC
Show Network
Show Libraries

In my screen shot below, the OneDrive folder is at top (red arrow).
Next I have all my pinned (favourite) folders.
I use Libraries to access my main folders, where I may have different Document/Video etc.. folders on different drives.

I won't say anymore about Libraries, until I know how many Drives you have.
You can manually tell Windows which folders are to be used for default save locations.

 

How to turn off OneDrive if it's backing your files
By default, OneDrive turns on automatically, but it can be turned off.
OneDrive will show as cloud in Taskbar at bottom.
Right-click cloud and select Settings.

 

Select Sync and backup, then Manage Backup.

 

Turn OFF all backup folders

 

Turn OFF Sync and backup.

 

There maybe more things you will have to do, but I'll wait to hear back from you, before saying anymore.

Regards
Derek