Do you have problems with your user profile and want to know how to fix a corrupted user profile in windows 10? Well, this article was written specifically for this problem.
A corrupted user profile can cause a significant inconvenience for Windows 10 users. This issue can result in various problems, such as difficulty in accessing files and personal settings, unexpected error messages, and even a complete system crash.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at what causes a user profile to become corrupted and how to fix this problem to enhance the effective running of your PC.
With step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to repair a damaged profile and regain access to your important files and personal settings.
What causes a corrupt user profile in windows 10?
Many factors can cause a user profile to be corrupted. Some of the common ones include:
- Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and damage parts of the system, including the user profile.
- Improper system shutdown: If a computer is abruptly shut down, it can result in a corrupted user profile.
- System updates or software installation: This problem can occur during interruptions during a system update or installation process.
- Disk errors: Physical errors on the hard drive or other storage media can cause data corruption, including the user profile.
- Power outages or other hardware problems: Interruptions in power supply, hardware failure, or other similar issues can cause a corrupt user profile.
- Incorrect system configuration: Incorrectly configuring the system or making changes to the registry can lead to a corrupted user profile.
- Conflict with another software: If there is a compatibility issue between two software programs, it can result in a corrupt user profile.
Now that we understand and know the causes of a corrupt user profile in Windows, let us dive deep into how to fix a corrupted user profile in windows 10.
How can I repair my user profile on Windows 10?
1. Update Windows 10
- Press Windows + I keys to open settings apps.
- Select the Update & Security option.
- Click the Check for updates option and allow your system to automatically install the newest updates for your operating system.
- Next, check to see if the problem has been resolved.
2. Repair with command prompt
2.1 Run the sfc command
- In the search bar on the bottom left corner of your screen, type cmd and click Run as administrator.
- On the command prompt window, input the following command and hit Enter.
sfc / scannow
- Check if this step fixed the problem, if it does not, follow the next step.
2.2 Run the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command
- In the search bar on the bottom left corner of your screen, type cmd and click Run as administrator.
- On the command prompt window, input the following command and hit Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Finally, restart your computer and check if this problem has been fixed.
3. Create a new Windows user profile for an existing user
3.1 Create a new user profile
- In the search bar on the bottom left corner of your screen, type cmd and click Run as administrator.
- On the command prompt window, input the following command and hit Enter.
net user administrator /active:yes.
- Open the settings app by pressing Windows + I and then select Accounts.
- On the left side of your screen, select Family & other users and on the right, select Add someone else to this PC.
- When asked to provide sign-in information, select the option that says I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Another prompt will display asking for an email address, ignore this and simply select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Now, enter the username and password for your new account and click Next.
- Finally, sign in to your PC using the newly created account.
- Files, personal settings, etc. will remain in your old account but these files can be moved to your new account by following the next step.
3.2 Transfer files to your new user profile
- In the search box, type control panel and select open.
- From the options displayed, select System.
- Click the Advanced system settings.
- Select the Settings option under user profiles.
- Select the profile you want to copy and choose Copy To.
- Input the folder name or click Browse to search for the folder and then click OK.
- Now all the files copied can be accessed on your new profile account.
4. Fix corrupt user profile using the Windows 10 registry
- In the search box, type regedit to open the Windows 10 registry editor.
- When the registry editor opens, go to this key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
- Open every S-1-5 folder and double-click the ProfileImagePath entry to find out which account is connected to it. Check if your SID key appears with or without .bak at the end.
- If it appears without .bak, double-click the ProfileImagePath value name, write the correct path of your user profile, and click OK.
- Double-click on State, set value data to 0, and then click OK.
- Now close the registry and reboot your computer.
Windows 10 corrupt user profile can be fixed using the Registry. Simply follow the steps above.
5. Scan for viruses and malware
- Press Windows + I keys to open the settings app and select Update & Security.
- Choose Windows Security on the left pane and select Virus & threat protection on the right side.
- Choose the Quick scan option.
- Select the Microsoft Defender Offline scan option and click Scan now.
- Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved.
In conclusion, a corrupted user profile on Windows 10 can cause a range of problems and negatively impact the user experience. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively fix the issue and restore your profile to its normal functioning state.
Whether it’s using built-in tools such as the Registry Editor or System Restore or using third-party software, there are various ways to tackle the problem and get your system back up and running smoothly.
By implementing the solutions described in this guide, you can effectively resolve the corrupted user profile issue and enjoy a seamless experience on your Windows 10 device.
