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If you are encountering the “User-Profile-Sync-Not-Provisioned” error on Windows 11, it means the system is having trouble syncing your user profile settings. This can prevent your personalized settings from being saved across devices.

This error often occurs when there’s a problem with the user account settings or sync services. Fortunately, you can resolve it with some straightforward troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to fix this issue so your Windows 11 profile sync works smoothly again.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check Your Internet Connection: Syncing requires a stable internet connection. Make sure you are online.
• Sign in with a Microsoft Account: Profile syncing only works if you are signed in with a Microsoft account, not a local account.
• Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix underlying sync issues.
• Sync Settings Enabled: Confirm that sync settings are turned on in your account settings.

Step 1: Verify Sync Settings in Windows 11

Start by checking if sync is enabled for your user profile. If sync is off, the system cannot provision or update your profile properly.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (or press Windows + I).
2. Go to Accounts from the left menu.
3. Select Windows backup or Sync your settings (the exact wording can vary).
4. Make sure the toggle for Remember my preferences or Sync settings is turned On.
5. If it is off, toggle it on and restart your computer.

Enabling sync here allows your profile data to be saved and synced across devices, which is essential for resolving the provisioning error.

Step 2: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Your Microsoft Account

Sometimes, simply refreshing your account connection can fix sync problems.

1. Open Settings and navigate to Accounts.
2. Click on your account name and select Sign out.
3. Restart your PC.
4. After reboot, sign back in using your Microsoft account credentials.

This process re-establishes the connection between your user profile and Microsoft’s sync servers, which can help resolve the provisioning error.

Step 3: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

The “User-Profile-Sync-Not-Provisioned” error can be related to issues with Windows apps and services. Running the built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix common problems.

1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps in the list.
3. Click Run next to it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool automatically checks for app-related issues that might affect profile syncing and attempts to fix them.

Step 4: Reset the Sync Settings via Registry Editor

If the above steps don’t help, resetting sync settings via the Windows Registry can fix corrupted or stuck provisioning states.

Warning: Editing the registry can be risky. Follow these steps carefully and consider backing up your registry first.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSettingSyncGroups
4. Right-click on the Groups folder and select Export to back it up.
5. After backing up, right-click Groups and select Delete.
6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Deleting this key removes corrupted sync group data, allowing Windows to create fresh sync settings on reboot.

Step 5: Use PowerShell to Re-register Sync Components

Advanced users can try re-registering Windows sync components using PowerShell commands.

1. Right-click on Start and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.SyncSettings | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the command to finish executing.
4. Restart your PC and check if sync provisioning is fixed.

This command re-registers the sync settings app package, repairing potential issues with the sync infrastructure.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Profile

If none of the above solutions work, creating a new user profile can help isolate the problem.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account under Other users.
3. Follow prompts to add a new Microsoft account user.
4. Sign in to the new profile and check if syncing works without errors.

If syncing works on the new profile, your old user profile might be corrupted, and migrating your files to the new account can be a solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “User-Profile-Sync-Not-Provisioned” mean?

This error indicates that Windows cannot complete the setup or synchronization of your user profile settings. It usually means sync services are disabled or corrupted.

Can I fix this error without using the Registry Editor?

Yes, start with the simpler steps like checking sync settings, signing out and back in, or running the troubleshooter. Registry edits are for more stubborn cases.

Will resetting sync settings delete my data?

Resetting sync via the registry removes sync group data, but it doesn’t delete your personal files. However, some synced preferences might reset.

Do I need to be connected to the internet for sync to work?

Yes, syncing requires an active internet connection to communicate with Microsoft servers and update your profile settings.

Is this error common on Windows 11?

It can happen occasionally, especially after updates or account changes. Most users can fix it with basic troubleshooting.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still see the error, consider the following options:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support page for personalized help.
• Run System File Checker: Repair Windows system files by running sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt.
• Reset or Reinstall Windows 11: As a last resort, performing a system reset or clean install can resolve deep system issues.

Conclusion

The “User-Profile-Sync-Not-Provisioned” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable with some patient troubleshooting. Start by verifying your sync settings and account status, then move on to running built-in troubleshooters.

If needed, carefully edit your registry or use PowerShell commands to reset sync components. Creating a new user profile is another effective workaround for persistent issues.

Remember to keep your system updated and maintain a stable internet connection for syncing to work properly. With these steps, you should be able to restore smooth user profile syncing on your Windows 11 device.