A User Profile on a Windows computer can be defined as a folder; containing all the files and settings associated with a particular User Account. Hence, the most common reason for deleting User Profiles on a Windows computer is to free up storage space and resolve profile-related issues.
In the case of business or corporate users, removal of User Profiles is usually carried out by system administrators on returning devices, while assigning devices and if there is a need to block access to email accounts, portals & applications on a specific User Account.
Note: If you are trying to remove a User Profile due to profile-related issues, you might like the idea of repairing a damaged or corrupted User Profile by using steps as provided in this guide: How to Fix Corrupt User Profile In Windows 11/10.
Is it Safe to Delete User Profiles on Windows Computer
When you remove any User Profile from a Windows computer, all the files, settings and registry entries linked to that particular User Account will be permanently deleted. However, the User Account will still remain available on the computer and you will be able to login to the User Account; by using the same password that was previously being used to Login to that particular User Account.
When you login to the User Account after deleting its User Profile, Windows automatically creates the typical or familiar User Account structure; comprising of Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Downloads and Favorites Folders. Hence, it is generally safe to delete User Profiles; when the following conditions are met.
- The User Profile does not contain important files or shared applications.
- The User Account is no longer being used or has been properly backed up.
- The User Account is signed out & unsynced from OneDrive and other cloud services.
Note: You cannot remove “User Profile” while you are still logged into the same User Account to which the User Profile is linked.
1. Delete User Profile Using System Properties
The easiest way to remove User Profiles on a Windows computer is by going to “Advanced System Properties” screen, which results in complete removal of the User Profile; including all its related Registry entries.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. Type SystemPropertiesAdvanced and click on OK.
3. On Advanced System Properties screen, make sure you are on Advanced tab and click on the Settings button, located under ‘User Profiles’ section.
4. On the next screen, select the User Profile that you want to remove and click on the Delete button.
5. On the confirmation pop-up, click on the Delete option to confirm.
The time to delete the User Profile will depend on the number of Files associated with the User Profile.
2. Manually Remove User Profile in Windows 11/10
You can manually remove any User Profile from the computer by going to its location (C:\Users\Username) on the computer. However, the disadvantage of this method is that it also requires you to locate and delete Registry entries related to that particular User Profile.
Note: Before making any changes to registry files, it is recommended that you save a backup of the registry files on the computer.
Step 1: Delete User Profile Folder
The first step in this method is to Login to Admin Account and delete the User Profile Folder.
1. Open the File Explorer on your computer.
2. On File Explorer screen, navigate to This PC > Local Disk (C:) and open the Users Folder.
3. In Users Folder, right-click on the User Profile that you want to remove and click on the Delete option.
Step 2: Delete User Profile Registry Entry
After the User Folder is deleted, the next step is to delete the Registry Entry related to the User Profile.
1. Press Windows + R keys to open Run Command.
2. Type regedit and click on OK.
3. On the Registry Editor screen, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
4. Open the ProfileList Folder and find the right S-1-5… Folder that belongs to the particular User Profile that you want to remove from the computer.
Once the right S-1-5 folder is located, right-click on the S-1-5 Folder and select the Delete option.
Note: The only way to find the right S-1-5 Folder is by opening S-1-5 Folders one-by-one and taking a look at the User Name in Data Column of the ProfileImagePath Entry. As you can see in above image, the User Name is available in ‘Data’ Column for ProfileImagePath Entry.
4. Close the Registry Editor and Restart the computer.
As mentioned above, Windows operating system will automatically create all the required File/Folder structure for the User Profile, when you Login back to this User Account.