Logging into a computer is as easy as typing a password (if any) and tapping the login button. If your PC refuses to load your profile and there is a blue screen with a “Failed to load user profile” error message, then there is a problem with some files or services loading your PC user profile. Follow one of the two solutions in this article to resolve this error.
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This error typically occurs after a Windows 10 update or when creating a new user profile. Some users have reported that Windows 10 does not load the user profile even after completing a system restore. Whatever the problem, we’ve written two methods for when you can’t log into your Windows 10 PC below. If you are currently facing this annoying error on your Windows 10 computer, you can fix it using one of the methods below.
1. Replace the ntuser.dat file
One of the most common causes of the “Your account cannot be accessed” error on Windows 10 is a damaged NTUSER.dat file. Windows stores your profile settings, preferences, configurations, etc. In that file. When you make some changes to your computer, we assume that you have changed the default browser, background image, screen resolution, etc., all the changes are saved in the NTUSER.dat file.
During an operating system update process, the file may have been corrupted. With a corrupted NTUSER.DAT, you may have some difficulties accessing your profile. As a result of the problem, you cannot log into your account. To work around this problem, you can replace the NTUSER.dat file in the computer’s default profile with an undamaged NTUSER.dat file. Here’s how to proceed.
- Log into another profile on your computer.
- Start File Explorer and open the Local Disk (C 🙂 folder.
- Double-click Users to open the folder.
- The default profile folder is, by default, always hidden on a Windows PC. Tap the Hidden items box to select it. This will make the default profile folder (as well as other hidden files) visible in File Explorer.
- Double-tap Default.
- Locate the NTUSER.DAT file and rename it. Alternatively, you can move it to another folder on your computer or to an external storage device (such as a USB flash). Now, go back to the Users folder (C:\Users) and copy the NTUSER.DAT file of your guest profile (or any other profile that works) to the default user folder.
- Double-tap the Guest Profile folder (or whatever the name of your computer’s Guest folder is).
- Copy the NTUSER.DAT file from the Guest Profile folder and paste it into the Default Profile folder.
Now try to log in again to the profile that was displaying the error “Failed to load user profile” Windows 10 and you should be able to log in successfully.
If you don’t have a Guest profile, you can start your computer in safe mode and replace the damaged NTUSER.DAT file in the default profile folder.
2. Correct the startup type of the User Profile service
On Windows devices, the User Profile Service is responsible for uploading (and downloading) user profiles. If something goes wrong with the configuration of this service, or if it is stopped/disabled, you may have difficulty accessing your profile on your PC.
If method no. 1 above doesn’t work, changing and verifying that the User Profile Service startup type is set to Automatic should help. To do this, you should go to the Windows Service Manager. But since you cannot log into your computer, you need to start your PC in safe mode to access the Windows Service Manager. Follow the step below to do that.
- On the login page, hold down the Shift button and tap Restart. This will launch the Windows 10 boot options menu through which you will be able to boot your computer in safe mode.
- Tap Troubleshoot.
- Tap Advanced Options.
- Click Startup Settings.
- Tap Restart
- Tap F4 or number 4 on the keyboard to boot your PC in safe mode.
- Tap the Windows key + R shortcut to launch the Run command.
- Type or paste services.msc into the box and tap OK.
- Find “User Profile Service” and double click on it to reveal its properties.
- In the Startup Type section, make sure it is set to Automatic. Tap OK.
Now restart your computer to see if you can log in correctly.
Conclusion
Imagine not being able to use your computer. Annoying, right? If the User Profile Service failed to log in and prevents you from using your Windows computer’s default profile, follow the steps above to get your PC running smoothly again.
