If Windows has trouble loading a user profile, it will create a temporary profile to let you troubleshoot issues. Additionally, it can create a secondary account, even if you are able to log in to the main account. Learn how to prevent Windows from creating a temporary profile or a secondary account.
Content
- Fix a Corrupted User Account
- Check System Drive Space
- Check Who Created the User Profile
- Migrate to a New User Account
Fix a Corrupted User Account
In most cases, a corrupted user account is the reason Windows is creating a temporary user profile. Try fixing the user profile to prevent Windows from creating new user accounts.
Repair System Files
Fixing corrupted system files often resolves user profile corruption. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix issues related to system files.
These scans can be run from the corrupted profile if it’s accessible, another user account, or even the temporary profile created by Windows.
Type “cmd” in Windows Search, right-click on the Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. Windows will scan your PC and try to fix any corrupted system files.
If it says it’s unable to fix a problem, run the following command in the Command Prompt.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This will repair any issues with the Windows image. When this process completes, run the sfc /scannow command again. These steps should fix any issues with system files and remove user account errors.
Use System Restore
If this problem started happening recently, use System Restore to revert your PC to a state before the issue began. This process can not only resolve user account corruption, but also address any path or settings problems that may be causing Windows to generate temporary profiles.
Press Windows + R, and type rstrui.exe in the Run dialog to open System Restore.
Select a restore point before the time you faced this issue, and click on Next -> Finish to restore your PC to that point.
The process will not affect your personal data, but it will revert any changes to Windows settings or new apps that you have installed.
Check System Drive Space
Ensure the system drive (usually the C drive) has enough free space. Insufficient space on the system drive can cause Windows to create a temporary profile instead of loading the default.
Your best option is to free up space on your PC. If you can’t delete data on the system drive, consider moving some of it to another drive. The key is to maintain sufficient space on the system drive, even if it means reducing free space on other drives.
Check Who Created the User Profile
Learning who created the user profile can help you pinpoint the problem and possibly solve it by deleting the source or configuring settings. Using the Event Viewer in Windows, you can check who created the user account on boot.
Search for “event viewer” in Windows Search, and open the Event Viewer.
Move to Windows Logs -> Security to see all security info related to user accounts, like logins, credential access, etc. Look for events with ID 4720 or 4722, which means an account was created or enabled.
If found, select it, and check the General section below. The Security ID tells which account or app created the new account.
Migrate to a New User Account
This may seem a bit extreme, but it’s actually not that difficult. If you are unable to fix the corrupted profile, move to a new account, and delete the old one.
If you don’t have much data or big apps, you can do it manually. In Windows Settings, go to Accounts -> Other Users, and click Add account to start creating a new account. Make sure you create an administrator account.
Once created, move data from your old account to this new account by copy/pasting the data inside the Users folder in the system drive. You can delete the corrupted profile from the same Other Users page.
An even easier method is to use a third-party app to migrate to a new account, while keeping all your data. Account Profile Fixer is a free tool that will copy all the data from your corrupted profile and move it to a new one, including personal data, account name, and even app data.
Launch the app, and select the user account you want to fix. If you want to keep the app data, make sure you check the checkbox next to the related options. Afterward, click the Fix selected account now button, and your PC will restart to begin the data migration process.
You can also reset your PC, as it fixes most issues related to user profiles. The reset process won’t delete your personal data, but you will lose your installed apps.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
Sign up for all newsletters.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe
Karrar Haider –
Contributor
Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn’t feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.
Comments (1)