Windows 10: All document folder, files and photos suddenly gone

This morning I opened File Explorer and found that all my folders and files in the Documents section were completely gone, as was everything in the Pictures section. I've read over the advice given to others who've experienced this, and carried out all those suggestions, to no avail. This is what I've tried so far:Check Recycle Bin nothing there, nor should there be; I didn't accidentally delete the entire contents of my Documents and PicturesCheck for hidden files and folders noneCheck OneDrive there were a few older items there, but none related to the hundreds of missing files and fo

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Suddenly, Documents folder has moved to Downloads

Hi,

One possible cause why your Documents folder suddenly moved to Downloads folder due to corrupted system files. To assist you better, we'd like to gather more information:

• Have you made any recent changes aside from connecting to your university network?
• Did you get any error messages when you tried to move it back?
• Does this happen with Documents folder only or with other folders also?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

We're looking forward to your response.

 

Downloads folder is the Documents folder

Hi Chris,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to Restore to Default the folders and document settings and see if it helps.

Step 1:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Download folder.
• Right click on the Download Folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

Step 2:

Please follow below steps and check if it helps.

• Go to Documents folder.
• Right click on the Document folder and go to Properties.
• In Properties go to Location tab.
• In location Tab Click on Restore Default.

After performing above steps change the settings as you required and check if it helps.

Hope these information helps, please get back to us for future support, we’ll be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

Suddenly, Documents folder has moved to Downloads

We appreciate the details you've provided. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow these steps on how to move your Documents Folder Location in Windows 10:

• You need to create a new folder named Documents at the location you want to move your personal Documents folder.
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer, right-click
  Documents, and select Properties.
• Select the Location tab and click the Move button.
• Browse and select the new Documents folder at the location you want to move the folder Documents. Click the
  Select Folder.
  
• Click OK to apply.
• Click Yes to move all the files from the old location to the new location.
• Your personal Documents folder and all of its contents will now be moved to the new location.

Let us know if you need further assistance.