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How to Fix “User Profile Service Failed Logon” Error in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solution

Encountering the “User Profile Service failed the logon” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating. This issue prevents you from signing in to your user account, often showing a message that your profile cannot be loaded. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix this problem.

This article will guide you step-by-step through simple and effective solutions. Each method is explained clearly, so even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you can follow along easily.

By the end, you’ll understand how to resolve the error and regain access to your Windows account without losing data. Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

Remember, patience and careful execution of each step will help you fix the issue safely.

Quick Note: Important Checks Before You Begin

  • Backup your data if possible: If you can still access other accounts or Safe Mode, back up important files to avoid data loss.
  • Confirm the error: Make sure the exact error message reads “User Profile Service failed the logon.”
  • Have administrator access: Some fixes require you to sign in as an administrator or use Safe Mode with Admin rights.
  • Note your Windows version: These instructions are for Windows 10, but the steps are similar on Windows 7 and 8.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches causing the error. Before trying anything complicated, turn off your PC and turn it back on.

This clears temporary files and refreshes system processes, which might fix the profile loading problem.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

If restarting doesn’t help, the next step is to start Windows in Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot safely.

To enter Safe Mode:

  1. Press Shift and click Restart from the login screen power menu.
  2. When the “Choose an option” screen appears, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  3. Click Restart.
  4. After restart, press 4 to select Enable Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, you can perform further troubleshooting steps safely.

Step 3: Fix User Profile Using Registry Editor

One common cause of this error is corruption in the user profile’s registry settings. Fixing this requires editing the Windows Registry.

Important: Be very careful when editing the registry. Mistakes can cause system issues.

How to edit the registry to fix the user profile:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
  3. In the left pane, you will see several folders starting with S-1-5 followed by long numbers. These represent user profiles.
  4. Look for two similar folders where one ends with .bak and the other does not. The .bak folder is usually the corrupted profile.
  5. Rename the folder without .bak by adding .bak2 at the end (right-click > Rename).
  6. Remove .bak from the other folder (right-click > Rename, delete .bak).
  7. Click the folder you renamed (formerly with .bak) and double-click RefCount in the right pane. Change its value to 0 and press OK.
  8. Double-click State and set its value to 0.
  9. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer normally.

This process corrects the profile’s registry entries, allowing Windows to load it properly.

Step 4: Create a New User Account

If the registry fix does not work, creating a new user account can be a good alternative. You can transfer your files from the old profile later.

To create a new account:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
  2. Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions to create a new user with administrator rights.
  5. Restart your PC and sign in with the new user account.
  6. Copy important files from the old user folder (C:UsersOldUsername) to the new account’s folder.

This method provides a fresh profile, bypassing the corrupted one.

Step 5: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause profile loading errors. Running built-in repair tools can fix these files.

To run SFC and DISM:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd,” right-click, and choose “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It will automatically fix corrupted files if found.
  4. Next, run the DISM tool by typing:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  5. Wait until the process finishes, then restart your PC.

These commands repair Windows system files that may affect user profiles.

Alternative Method: Using System Restore

If the error started recently, restoring your PC to an earlier point might help.

To use System Restore:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode.
  2. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
  3. Click System Restore and follow the prompts.
  4. Choose a restore point dated before the issue began.
  5. Confirm and wait for Windows to restore and reboot.

This will roll back system changes that might have caused the problem.

FAQs

Why does the “User Profile Service failed the logon” error happen?

This error usually occurs due to corrupted user profile data, registry issues, or problems with system files needed to load your profile.

Can I lose my files when fixing this error?

If you follow the steps carefully, your files should remain safe. However, backing up important files beforehand is always recommended.

Is Safe Mode always accessible if I cannot log in normally?

Yes, Safe Mode can be accessed from the login screen by holding Shift while clicking Restart, which helps in troubleshooting.

What if I cannot access Safe Mode?

You may need to use Windows installation media or recovery drive to boot into recovery options and access Safe Mode.

Can third-party software cause this error?

Sometimes, conflicting or faulty software can corrupt user profiles. If you installed new software recently, consider uninstalling it in Safe Mode.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions solve the problem, you might consider the following:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for professional help.
  • Use Windows Recovery Options: Perform a repair install or reset Windows while keeping your files.
  • Consult a professional technician: If you are uncomfortable performing these steps, a technician can assist safely.

Conclusion

The “User Profile Service failed the logon” error in Windows 10 can be resolved with patience and following the right steps. Start with simple solutions like restarting and Safe Mode, then move to registry fixes and creating a new user account if needed.

Repairing system files and using System Restore are also effective ways to fix the problem. Always remember to back up your data when possible.

By understanding the causes and solutions, you can get back into your Windows account quickly without stress.

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