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How to Fix “User Profile Not in Registry” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “User Profile Not in Registry” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This error usually appears when Windows cannot locate your user profile in the system registry. Without access to a valid profile, you may be unable to sign in or access your personalized settings.

Fortunately, this issue can often be fixed with a few straightforward steps. You don’t need to be an expert to follow these instructions. Each solution is explained in simple terms and arranged from easiest to more advanced.

Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand why this problem occurs. Corrupted registry entries, improper shutdowns, or malware can cause Windows to lose track of your profile data. Repairing the registry or creating a new user profile usually resolves the issue.

Let’s explore practical ways to fix the “User Profile Not in Registry” error on your Windows 11 PC.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

  • Backup Important Data: Before making any changes, back up your important files. This ensures you don’t lose data during troubleshooting.
  • Administrator Access: You need to have administrator rights on your computer to perform most of these fixes.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, a system update can resolve profile-related errors automatically.
  • Restart Your PC: Simple restarts can fix temporary glitches. Try restarting before proceeding.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode

Starting your PC in Safe Mode allows Windows to run with minimal drivers and services, which can help fix profile errors.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Your PC will reboot.
  4. When the options menu appears, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. After restarting, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, try logging in. If successful, proceed to the next step to fix your user profile.

Step 2: Fix the User Profile Registry Entries

The user profile information is stored in the Windows registry. Sometimes, these entries become corrupted or missing. Editing the registry can help restore access.

  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 key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
  4. Inside ProfileList, you will see several folders starting with S-1-5. Each corresponds to a user profile.
  5. Look for the folder with a .bak extension. This usually indicates a corrupted backup of your profile.
  6. If you find a .bak folder, right-click the folder without .bak and rename it by adding .backup at the end.
  7. Next, right-click the .bak folder and remove the .bak extension.
  8. Select the renamed folder (formerly the .bak) and double-click the State entry in the right pane.
  9. Change the value data to 0 and click OK.
  10. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

This process helps Windows load the correct user profile settings. It is critical to follow the renaming steps carefully to avoid further issues.

Step 3: Create a New User Profile

If repairing the registry does not work, creating a new user profile is a good alternative. This gives you a fresh profile to work with.

  1. Log in with an administrator account (you can use Safe Mode if necessary).
  2. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  3. Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users.
  4. Under Other users, click Add account.
  5. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  6. Enter a username and password for the new user, then click Next.
  7. Sign out and sign in with the new user account.

If the new profile works correctly, you can transfer your files from the old profile’s folder (usually found in C:UsersOldUsername) to the new profile.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can cause profile errors. Windows has built-in tools to scan and repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If issues are found and fixed, restart your PC.
  5. If problems persist, in the same Command Prompt window, run these commands one by one:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  6. After these complete, restart your computer again.

Running these tools can fix damaged system files that may be affecting your user profile.

Alternative Method: Use System Restore

If the error started recently, you can use System Restore to revert your PC to an earlier state when everything was working fine.

  1. Press Windows + S and type create a restore point, then select the option.
  2. In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
  3. Follow the wizard and choose a restore point dated before the issue began.
  4. Proceed with the restoration and restart your PC when prompted.

This method is helpful because it undoes recent system changes without affecting your personal files.

FAQs

What causes the “User Profile Not in Registry” error?

This error usually occurs due to corrupted user profile registry entries, improper shutdowns, malware infections, or system file corruption.

Can I fix this error without administrator access?

No, administrator privileges are required because you need to edit the registry or create new user accounts.

Is it safe to edit the registry myself?

Editing the registry can be risky if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry before making changes and follow instructions carefully.

Will creating a new user profile delete my old files?

No, your old files remain intact in the original user folder. You can manually copy important data to the new profile.

What if the problem returns after fixing it?

Recurring issues might indicate deeper system problems or hardware faults. Consider running full antivirus scans or seeking professional support.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions resolve the problem, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Official help can provide advanced troubleshooting tailored to your device.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the Reset this PC feature to reinstall Windows without affecting your personal files (but back up first!).
  • Professional Assistance: If you are uncomfortable performing advanced steps, a qualified technician can help safely fix your system.

Links to official resources:
Microsoft User Profile Service Support

Conclusion

The “User Profile Not in Registry” error on Windows 11 can disrupt your workflow but is usually fixable with basic troubleshooting. Starting with Safe Mode and simple registry repairs often restores access. Creating a new user profile or running system repair tools helps when the issue is more complex.

Always ensure you have backups and administrator rights before proceeding. If needed, use System Restore or consult official support for more help. Following these step-by-step solutions, you should be able to resolve the error and get back to using your PC smoothly.

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