5 Fixes For a Corrupted User Profile on Windows 11

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

Basic Fixes:

Fix 1: Tweak ProfileList Registry Values

The Windows 11 registry is a hierarchical database of settings and configurations, some related to the computer’s user profiles. It may be used to repair a corrupted user profile. To carry out this fix, we must change some settings to ProfileList registry keys, as shown below.

Step 1:PresstheWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog. Typeregeditand hitEnterto launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2:Navigate to the path below:

Step 3:Find the key corresponding to the corrupted user profile. You may click any of the keys under theProfileListfolder in the left sidebar to view the username path as indicated in the data column of ProfileImagePath.

Step 4:Double-click theStateDWORD for your profile, then change thevalue datato0and clickEnter.

Step 5:Repeat step 4 for theRefCountDWORD. If this DWORD is unavailable, create it by right-clicking a space on the right pane, clickingNew, thenDWORD (32-bit) Value, and naming itRefCount.

Step 6:Restart the computer.

Fix 2: Repair the Profile With DISM and SFC Scans

Windows 11 comes with a few built-in repair tools. The DISM and SFC utilities are examples that could be integral to fixing a corrupted user profile on Windows 11. When you run either of these tools, they will thoroughly scan files on your computer, including files associated with your profile, like the profile’s registry entries and DLL files.

The DISM will focus on repairing the Windows image, while the SFC will target missing or corrupted system files. Here is how to use these tools.

Step 1:PressWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog.

Step 2:Typecmdin the box and hitCtrl+Shift+Enterkeyboard shortcut to launch the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 3:Scan for image corruption using the command below:

Step 4:Next, run the following command to restore any corrupt files to their original state.

Step 5:Type the below command and hitEnter:

After that, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Fix 3: Run the AppXPackage PowerShell Command

This power command can reinitialize your apps. This may fix bugs within the apps that lead to profile corruption. Follow the steps below.

Step 1:PressWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog.

Step 2:Typepowershellin the box and hitCtrl+Shift+Enterkeyboard shortcut to launch the PowerShell with administrative privileges.

Step 3:Type the command below and hitEnter.

Fix 4: Create a New User Profile and Transfer Your Data

If running the DISM and SFC scans is insufficient to fix a corrupted user profile on Windows 11, you should consider creating a new user. While you will lose access to your old settings and configurations, this solution will always work unless there is an underlying problem with your Windows installation.

Step 1:PressWindows+Ito open the Settings app.

Step 2:ClickAccountson the left pane andOther Userson the right.

Step 3:ClickAdd Account.

Step 4:Input your user details for the new account and follow the wizard to complete the process.

Fix 5: Apply a Factory Reset From An Installation Media

When you have a bad or corrupt user profile on Windows 11, you can resort to using a Windows 11 installation media – a disc or a USB drive. If you don’t have a bootable Windows 11 USB stick, you can first make a bootable USB stick on a different computer.

You may try a Windows 11 reset and boot from the bootable Windows 11 USB device. We show you the steps below.

Step 1:Plug in your installation media or USB into the computer.

Step 2:Press the power button and repeatedly tap on your computer’sF10or the designated BIOS function key to enter BIOS.

Step 3:Use the arrow keys to make the USB drive your primary bootdevice. Then, hitEnterto continue booting.

Step 4:Select your preferred language and time settings in the setup window and clickNext.

Step 5:ClickRepair your computerto launch the Windows Recovery Environment window.

Step 6:Click theTroubleshootoption, then in the next windows, clickReset this PC.

Step 7:ChooseKeep my files.

Step 8:Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the steps.

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Last updated on 03 September, 2024

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