Windows 10: Relocate windows user/s profile WITHOUT SYSPREP

I am at the basic configuration stage of the new system (current version of Windows 10 pro) just installed last week (finally). Before I begin installing a plethora of software I need, I want to shift the profiles off the SSD to a more robust HDD to save wear-n-tear. I found the tutorial or part of a tutorial much earlier this year when I updated/graded my former desktop from Windows 7 ultimate to Windows 10 pro. Unfortunately, that computer got hosed trying to make it into a replacement for my dead DAW so I can't find what it is I did. This shouldn't be complicated -- it wasn't before -- but when I did a search on the web this time and followed what I thought were the correct instructions (activating the built in admin account, switching to it, editing the registry then copying files over) I ended up in a situation where the OS no longer could recognize any profile (my original nor the admin) and it seemed to be stuck in a loop where it wanted me to 'log out' but it couldn't load whatever it was trying to load -- lather, rinse, repeat. I had done a restore point prior to making the attempt so I restored it and I'm back to where I was an hour ago. But as to what I did wrong, I'm not sure. To be even more specific, if I wasn't clear enough -- I'm looking to MOVE my existing user profile off the 'c' ssd drive to my 'data' drive on an HDD. Then I want make sure that any future users defined to the system automatically have their profiles created on the HDD data drive NOT the ssd 'c' drive. Suggestions? Point me to the correct tutorial that I can't find?

:)

 

User profile relocation?


Kari,

Thanks for all your hard work on the previous write ups on Seven Forums and here on this one. They are extremely helpful, thorough and easy to follow.

I saw the note about build 9879 and user profile relocation failure
The below tip describing how to relocate the main profile folder Users does not work in Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9879; if applied to this build the Sysprep will fail. Use this method to relocate Users if sysprepping Build 9841 or 9860.
I think this feature should have been in included with the OS - even as an option available after installation.

Is there another way to accomplish this task on Build 9879? Thanks.

Ron

 

Changing registry settings for user profiles and sysprepping

Hi PinkRhino, welcome to Ten Forums.

Do not use registry to change Users folder location in Windows 10. Simply clean install Windows, boot it to Audit Mode and use an answer file to relocate Users. Step by step instructions in Method One in this tutorial: Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials .

Following the instructions, the whole Users folder will be moved to another drive, and all future user profiles will be created on that location.

 

User profile relocation?


I have been toying with the idea but always decided against; the process itself is quite simple:

1. Boot to Audit Mode
2. Personalize
3. Use the Windows System Image Manager to create the answer file (= instructions set for Sysprep)
4. Run Sysprep

"An App" to do this would only be used in phases 3 and 4, of those two I could never create a user interface as practical, logical and simple as the one SIM already has, so basically only part in "my app" would be to run sysprep command. No use in creating an app to run one single command which takes user a few seconds to type.