How to Fix a Temporary Profile in Windows 10 & 11: 10 Working Fixes

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Last updated: September 11, 2026

Fix temporary profile in Windows 10 and 11

Seeing "You have been signed in with a temporary profile" when you sign in to Windows 11 or Windows 10? Your normal desktop, settings, and files may appear to be missing.

In many cases, Windows has not deleted your profile. Instead, it could not load your regular user profile and signed you in with a temporary one.

This guide shows you how to fix a temporary profile in Windows 11 and Windows 10. You will learn how to repair system files, check the User Profile Service, fix ProfileList registry problems, handle a .bak profile entry, check your drive, use Safe Mode, and recover your personal files.

Important: Do not delete your old Windows account or profile folder while troubleshooting. If you are using a temporary profile, avoid saving important new files there because changes made in that profile may not remain after you sign out or restart.

What Is a Temporary Profile in Windows?

A temporary profile is a temporary Windows user environment that can appear when Windows cannot load your normal profile correctly.

Your regular Windows profile contains information such as:

  • Desktop settings
  • Personal files
  • Wallpaper
  • Application preferences
  • Browser settings
  • User-specific Windows settings

When Windows cannot load the normal profile, it may create a temporary environment so you can still sign in and use the computer.

Because this is not your normal profile, some settings may be missing and changes made while using it may disappear after you sign out or restart.

Signs You Are Using a Temporary Profile

You may be dealing with a temporary profile error if you notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • A message says "You have been signed in with a temporary profile."
  • Your desktop looks different from normal.
  • Your wallpaper has changed.
  • Desktop icons are missing.
  • Windows settings have returned to defaults.
  • Some applications have forgotten your preferences.
  • Your normal files appear to be missing.
  • Changes disappear after restarting Windows.

Why Does Windows Load a Temporary Profile?

Windows can load a temporary profile for several reasons. Common causes include:

  • Corrupted user profile: Files or settings in the profile may be damaged.
  • ProfileList registry problems: Windows may have trouble finding the correct profile information.
  • Failed Windows update: An update or restart may leave profile-related settings in an unexpected state.
  • Corrupted system files: Damaged Windows components can affect profile loading.
  • File system or drive errors: Windows may have difficulty reading profile data.
  • Unexpected shutdown: A forced shutdown or power interruption can contribute to file or profile corruption.

For more information about drive-related problems, see our guide on Windows hard drive errors and corruption.

Before You Fix the Temporary Profile

Before making changes, protect your files and avoid making the problem worse.

  1. Do not delete your old Windows account.
  2. Do not delete your old profile folder from C:\Users.
  3. Avoid saving important files while signed in with the temporary profile.
  4. Restart the computer once and check whether the normal profile returns.
  5. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
  6. Back up important files if you can access them.
  7. Create a System Restore point if Windows allows it.

If Windows cannot start normally, you can also use how to start Windows 10 or 11 in Safe Mode.

Table of Contents

  • Fix 1: Restart Windows and Sign In Again
  • Fix 2: Check the User Profile Service
  • Fix 3: Repair Windows With DISM and SFC
  • Fix 4: Repair the ProfileList Registry Entry
  • Fix 5: Fix a .bak Profile Registry Entry
  • Fix 6: Check the Drive for File System Errors
  • Fix 7: Start Windows in Safe Mode
  • Fix 8: Create a New Windows User Account
  • Fix 9: Use System Restore
  • Fix 10: Recover Your Files From the Old Profile
  • How to Prevent Temporary Profile Problems
  • When Should You Create a New Windows Account?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Fix 1: Restart Windows and Sign In Again

Difficulty: Easy
Time: About 2 minutes

A temporary profile can sometimes result from a problem during the Windows sign-in process. A normal restart can reload the services and profile information required for your regular account.

Steps

  1. Save any work you need to keep.
  2. Click Start.
  3. Select Power.
  4. Click Restart.
  5. Sign in again when Windows starts.

If your normal desktop, settings, and files return, you may not need to continue. If Windows still loads a temporary profile, move to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Check the User Profile Service

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 to 10 minutes

The User Profile Service is responsible for loading your Windows user profile during sign-in. A problem with this service or related profile information can prevent your normal profile from loading.

Check the Service

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type services.msc.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Find User Profile Service.
  5. Double-click it.
  6. Check that the service is not disabled.

Do not randomly change service settings if you are unsure about their purpose.

Check Event Viewer for Profile Errors

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Select Event Viewer.
  3. Expand Windows Logs.
  4. Select Application.
  5. Look for errors related to User Profile Service.
  6. Open an error to read its details.

These entries can help identify profile, permissions, registry, or service-related problems.

Fix 3: Repair Windows With DISM and SFC

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Corrupted Windows system components can sometimes interfere with user profile loading. Windows includes two built-in tools that can repair system components: DISM and System File Checker (SFC).

Step 1: Run DISM

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  1. Press Enter.
  2. Wait until the operation finishes.

Step 2: Run SFC

  1. In the same administrator Command Prompt window, type:
sfc /scannow
  1. Press Enter.
  2. Wait until the scan reaches 100%.

Common SFC Results

  • No integrity violations: SFC did not find damaged protected system files.
  • Corrupt files repaired: Restart Windows and test your profile.
  • Some files could not be repaired: Make sure DISM has completed successfully, then run SFC again.

Important: Do not shut down the PC while DISM or SFC is running.

Fix 4: Repair the ProfileList Registry Entry

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Windows stores important information about user profiles in the Registry. If the ProfileList information is incorrect, Windows may fail to load your normal profile and use a temporary one instead.

Warning: Registry changes can cause Windows problems if the wrong entry is modified. Back up the Registry before making changes. If you are not comfortable with Registry Editor, consider using the other fixes first.

Step 1: Back Up the Registry

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type regedit.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Approve the User Account Control prompt.
  5. In Registry Editor, select File > Export.
  6. Save the backup somewhere you can find later.

Step 2: Open ProfileList

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

You will see profile keys with names beginning with S-1-5-21-. These keys represent Windows user profiles.

Windows Registry Editor showing ProfileList and S-1-5-21 user profile keys

Step 3: Check ProfileImagePath

Select a profile key and look for the ProfileImagePath value in the right-hand pane.

For the correct user profile, it normally points to a folder similar to:

C:\Users\YourUsername

Use this information to identify the profile that belongs to your affected account.

Fix 5: Fix a .bak Profile Registry Entry

Difficulty: Advanced
Time: 15 to 20 minutes

A .bak profile entry can appear when Windows has more than one profile configuration for the same user SID. In some temporary profile cases, the .bak entry may contain the profile information Windows needs.

Warning: Do not rename Registry entries simply because they contain .bak. First confirm that the entry belongs to your affected Windows account and make a Registry backup.

Step 1: Find the Matching Profile Keys

Under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

Look for a pair similar to:

S-1-5-21-xxxxxxxx
S-1-5-21-xxxxxxxx.bak

Check the ProfileImagePath value to identify which entry points to your normal user profile folder.

Step 2: Rename the Profile Entries

If you have confirmed that the .bak entry belongs to the affected account, a common repair procedure is to rename the keys so that the backed-up profile entry becomes the active one.

  1. Rename the profile key without .bak by adding .old to its name.
  2. Rename the matching .bak key by removing .bak from its name.

Do not delete the original entries immediately. Keeping the renamed entry gives you a way to reverse the change if necessary.

Step 3: Check RefCount and State

On the corrected profile key, check for these values:

  • RefCount
  • State

If these values exist and the troubleshooting procedure requires them to be reset, set them to:

RefCount = 0
State = 0

If either value does not exist, do not create a new value simply for the sake of following a checklist.

Step 4: Restart Windows

Close Registry Editor and restart the computer. Sign in and check whether Windows loads your normal profile.

Fix 6: Check the Drive for File System Errors

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: Varies by drive and condition

File system errors can prevent Windows from reading profile files correctly. Start with a lighter disk check before using a longer repair scan.

Step 1: Run CHKDSK Scan

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

chkdsk C: /scan

This checks the file system while Windows is running.

Step 2: Repair Errors if Required

If Windows reports file system problems, a repair scan may be required. One commonly used command is:

chkdsk C: /f

If Windows says the drive is currently in use, it may ask whether you want to schedule the check for the next restart. Type Y and restart the computer if you are ready to run the check.

The /r option performs a much more extensive scan and can take considerably longer, especially on large drives. Use it when there is a specific reason to check for bad sectors or deeper drive problems.

Important: If your drive repeatedly reports errors, back up important files as soon as possible and investigate the health of the drive.

For more help, see our guide on how to check and repair Windows drive problems.

Fix 7: Start Windows in Safe Mode

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of drivers and services. This can help determine whether the temporary profile problem occurs only during a normal startup.

How to Enter Safe Mode

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery in Windows 11.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. Choose Troubleshoot.
  5. Select Advanced options.
  6. Choose Startup Settings.
  7. Click Restart.
  8. Select the Safe Mode option when the menu appears.

After entering Safe Mode, check whether your normal profile loads correctly.

For more detailed instructions, see how to start Windows 10 or 11 in Safe Mode.

Fix 8: Create a New Windows User Account

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 15 to 30 minutes

If the original profile remains damaged after troubleshooting, creating a new Windows account can provide a stable user environment. You can then copy your personal files from the old profile.

Do not delete the old account yet. First make sure that all important files have been recovered.

Step 1: Create the Account

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click Accounts.
  3. Open Other users.
  4. Click Add account.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the new account.

The exact wording and options can vary between Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions.

Step 2: Make the New Account an Administrator if Needed

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users.
  2. Select the new account.
  3. Choose Change account type.
  4. Select Administrator.
  5. Click OK.

Step 3: Sign In to the New Account

Sign out of the temporary profile and sign in with the new account. Windows will create a fresh user profile.

Fix 9: Use System Restore

Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 20 to 45 minutes

If the temporary profile problem started after a Windows update, driver installation, or software change, System Restore may allow you to return system settings to an earlier restore point.

Steps

  1. Press the Windows key.
  2. Search for Create a restore point.
  3. Open the result.
  4. Click System Restore.
  5. Click Next.
  6. Select a restore point from before the problem started.
  7. Click Next.
  8. Review the restore point and click Finish.

Windows will restart and apply the selected restore point.

Note: System Restore is not a replacement for a personal file backup. If no suitable restore point exists, move to the other troubleshooting methods.

Fix 10: Recover Your Files From the Old Profile

If Windows continues to use a temporary profile or you decide to create a new account, your old profile folder may still contain your personal files.

Open the Users Folder

Open File Explorer and go to:

C:\Users

Look for the folder belonging to your old Windows account.

Copy Your Personal Files

Important folders commonly include:

  • Desktop
  • Documents
  • Downloads
  • Pictures
  • Videos
  • Music
  • Favorites

Copy your personal files to the matching folders in the new account.

Important: Do not copy the entire old profile folder into the new profile. Avoid copying system profile files such as NTUSER.DAT, because profile configuration files may carry the original problem into the new account.

If you cannot access your old files, stop before deleting the old account and investigate file permissions or drive problems first.

How to Prevent Temporary Profile Problems

There is no single way to guarantee that a temporary profile problem will never happen again, but good Windows maintenance can reduce the risk of data loss and make recovery easier.

  • Back up important files regularly.
  • Shut down Windows normally.
  • Avoid forced shutdowns when possible.
  • Keep Windows updated.
  • Keep enough free space on the system drive.
  • Monitor the health of an aging hard drive or SSD.
  • Create restore points before major system changes when appropriate.

When Should You Create a New Windows Account?

Creating a new account should not always be the first solution. It becomes more practical when the original profile continues to fail after reasonable troubleshooting.

  • Profile works after a restart: No further repair may be needed.
  • DISM and SFC repair the problem: Keep using the original account and monitor it.
  • ProfileList repair works: Keep the original account.
  • The profile remains broken: A new account may be a practical solution.
  • The drive shows repeated errors: Back up important files before making major changes.

Related Windows Guides

These Computerdok guides can help with related Windows startup, storage, and troubleshooting problems:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I fix a temporary profile in Windows 11?

Start by restarting Windows. If the problem continues, check the User Profile Service, repair Windows with DISM and SFC, inspect the ProfileList registry entries, check for a .bak profile entry, check the drive, try Safe Mode, or create a new Windows account.

2. Why does Windows 11 keep signing me into a temporary profile?

Possible causes include a damaged user profile, ProfileList registry problems, corrupted system files, file system errors, an interrupted update, or an unexpected shutdown.

3. What does "You have been signed in with a temporary profile" mean?

It means Windows could not load your normal user profile and has created a temporary user environment instead. Your original profile folder may still contain your personal files.

4. Are my files deleted when Windows uses a temporary profile?

Not necessarily. In many cases, the original profile and personal files remain under C:\Users. Do not delete the old profile until you have confirmed that your important files are safely backed up.

5. How do I fix a .bak profile in Windows?

First back up the Registry and confirm the correct profile by checking ProfileImagePath. If a matching SID and .bak entry exist, carefully rename the entries so the correct profile information can be used. Registry changes should be made only when you are confident about the affected profile.

6. Where are my files when Windows uses a temporary profile?

Your original files may still be in your normal profile folder under C:\Users\YourUsername. Check folders such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos.

7. Can I repair a corrupted Windows user profile?

Sometimes. Restarting Windows, repairing system files, correcting ProfileList information, and using System Restore can resolve some profile-loading problems. If the profile remains damaged, creating a new account and moving your personal files may be the better option.

8. Should I create a new Windows account if the temporary profile problem continues?

If the original profile cannot be repaired reliably, a new account can provide a fresh Windows profile. Keep the old account until you have recovered and backed up all important files.

Conclusion

A temporary profile in Windows 11 or Windows 10 does not automatically mean that your personal files have been deleted. Windows may simply be unable to load your normal user profile.

Start with the simple fixes, then move to system file repair, ProfileList troubleshooting, drive checks, Safe Mode, and System Restore. If the original profile cannot be repaired, create a new Windows account and carefully recover your personal files.

Most importantly, do not delete the old profile until your important files are safely backed up.

Article Summary

Information Details
Operating Systems Windows 10 and Windows 11
Problem Windows loads a temporary user profile
Primary Topic Temporary profile Windows 11
Main Causes Profile corruption, Registry problems, system file damage, and drive errors
Solutions 10 troubleshooting methods
Difficulty Beginner to Advanced
Category Windows Troubleshooting

 

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