update removed chrome and all my personal settings

Hello Bill.

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community. I understand that your Chrome is no longer available, Microsoft Edge is the only browser present, your personal settings appear to be reset, and Windows no longer requires a security PIN, and I know how disruptive and concerning this experience can be.

The recommended resolution is to first confirm that you are signed in to your original user account, check whether your files are still present under C Users, reinstall Google Chrome if it was removed during cleanup, reset your default apps if needed, and reconfigure Windows Hello PIN and sign-in options from Settings to ensure your security settings are restored.

Here's the link as reference.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/update-to-the-new-microsoft-edge-182d0668-e3f0-49da-b8bb-db5675245dc2

To better isolate the cause, can you please confirm whether your files and folders are still visible in your original user profile path and whether the account name at sign-in matches what you used before the update.

If the answer is helpful, please do click "Accept the answer” and yes, this can be beneficial to other community members.

If you have any other questions, let me know in the "comments" and I would be happy to help you

Regards,

Henry C.

Independent Advisor

A recent Windows update likely installed or promoted the new Microsoft Edge, but it does not remove Google Chrome or permanently delete personal data by design.

Based on the available information, the following points apply:

1. Windows updates can install or upgrade Microsoft Edge
   • Windows 10/11 updates can deploy the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge and pin it to the taskbar and desktop, and migrate protocols and shortcuts so that Edge becomes the primary browser.
   • Existing browser data from earlier Microsoft Edge versions (favorites, passwords, open tabs) is migrated into the new Edge.
   • The update can hide the legacy Edge from the user interface and redirect attempts to start it to the new Edge.
2. Edge may appear to “replace” another browser
   • After such an update, Edge may be pinned to the taskbar and desktop, and default browser settings may change, giving the impression that other browsers (like Chrome) are gone.
   • However, the update description only documents migration and pinning behavior for Edge and does not state that it uninstalls third-party browsers such as Google Chrome.
3. Personal settings and security PIN
   • The provided documentation describes how Edge updates and migrations work, but does not describe any behavior where a Windows update removes a user’s Windows sign-in PIN or wipes all personal settings.
   • It does state that Edge updates are designed so that browser data and settings “shouldn’t be affected” when Edge is repaired or updated.

Given the context, the documented behavior is:

• Windows updates can install or upgrade Microsoft Edge and make it the primary browser.
• Edge updates migrate existing Edge data and do not remove user data by design.
• The update for the new Edge cannot be removed.

For this specific situation (Chrome missing, settings gone, no PIN), the documentation does not provide additional recovery steps beyond confirming that Edge and Windows updates are functioning as designed and that Edge data is preserved when repaired or updated.

References:

• Update to the new Microsoft Edge
• Update for the new Microsoft Edge for Windows 10, version 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004
• Microsoft Edge update settings
• What to do if Microsoft Edge isn't working