Windows 10: Corrupted user profiles taking space in C:\Users. Is it safe to remove them?

Hello!In 2020, I've had a corruption, where I'd log in with a temporary profile. The issue is fixed, however the 5 corrupted profiles are taking up space1 GB.Is it safe to remove them?

:)

 

User.000 issue after updating to 1909

I'm one of the many people suffering from issues with user profiles after applying Update 1909 to Windows 10. I've read all the threads I can find on the topic here and have followed the suggestions, all to no avail. Any other thoughts are appreciated.

After applying Update 1909, the ProfileImagePath was changed to c:\users\User.000
One file that was always in use and couldn't be removed was left in c:\users\User (can't recall or find the exact file now), so I could never rename or remove the c:\user\User directory.

I followed the multiple suggestions from Brink and others:

• Rebooted at least 6 times
• Enabled hidden Administrator
• Booted into Safe Mode
• Changed ProfileImagePath
• Tried to rename c:\users\User but couldn't because a file was still in use
• Copied all data from c:\users\User.000 into c:\users\User
• Rebooted and had temporary profile
• Followed steps in Brink tutorial to change ImageProfilePath; rebooted with no change
• Restored using Restore Point from before Update 1909 - returned to single profile state (User.000)
• Removed each update that was installed individually and rebooted after each update removal - profile state never changed
• After all updates were removed, repeated the steps above with hidden Administrator, changing profile, etc. - same issue with file in use in c:\users\User
• Followed all steps above with hidden Administrator but without copying files from User.000 to User - same results

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

Corrupted User Profile

Hi,

There maybe a couple of reasons behind this misbehavior such as a corrupted system file. However, we would like to be able to verify which process exactly is corrupted.

• When you install, does it give you any form of error message when it fails?
• What other processes doesn't go through on the said User account?

As per troubleshooting, you may refer to
Likhitha V's response on this thread. See if it applies to you. However,
just to give you a heads up. The steps are about creating a new user profile and deleting the current one. I suggest you back up your files so you may be able to transfer it. You can also find information about it on the same thread.

We'll be waiting for your response. If you have any other concerns, don't hesitate to come back to us.

 

How to remove Microsoft account from corrupted user profile

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate your effort on this.



Since the corrupted user account is still a Microsoft account, you cannot add the same Microsoft account to the new user account. However, as you have copied the local documents from the corrupted user account to the new user account, you can go ahead
and remove the corrupted user account and then, you will be able to add the Microsoft account.



Please refer the steps mentioned below to remove the corrupted user account:

1. Press Windows key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
2. Type netplwiz and click on
   OK.
   
3. Now, click on the corrupted user profile and click on
   Remove.
   
4. Click on Yes for the next prompt.
   
5. Click on OK.
   

After removing the corrupted user account, you can navigate to Settings (Windows key + I) >> Accounts >> Your info >> Login with a Microsoft account instead.



Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator