Every time there is a patch, all my settings are erased/reset to default (gear sets, keybindings, HUD, hotbars, etc) on all my characters (two accounts). I've been playing the game for 3+ years, and just assumed that this was happening to everyone, but today, I found out that it doesn't happen to several of my FC mates, and I haven't spoken to anyone else who has it happening to them. I realize there's a back-up option, but I'd like to understand why this is happening in the first place.
Good morning! Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.
The described issue may have something to do with permissions for your locally-saved settings. Please go to 'My Documents' > 'My Games' and right click on the 'Final Fantasy XIV' folder. Once there, please select the 'Properties' option and check on the 'Attributes' section under the 'General' tab, if the 'Read-Only' section is checked, please try unchecking this option instead. Please note, in general these folders would be located under 'This PC' however if your system uses 'OneDrive' it may be trying to be synced up under there instead.
Additionally, if the issue persists you may also try running FINAL FANTASY XIV as an administrator instead.
Thank you once again for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!