User profile cannot be loaded Windows 10? Logging into your Windows 10 computer is usually straightforward, requiring nothing more than typing your password and clicking the sign-in button. However, sometimes things go differently than expected.
Highlights:
- You’re unable to log into your Windows 10 computer due to the “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded” error.
- Solution 1: Replace the corrupted NTUSER.DAT file in Safe Mode by copying from a working profile.
- Solution 2: Set the User Profile Service startup type to “Automatic” in Safe Mode’s Services Manager.
If you encounter a blue screen displaying the error message “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded,” it indicates a problem with certain files or services responsible for powering your computer’s user profile.
User profile cannot be loaded Windows 10 Problem Solution
This error often arises after a Windows 10 update, creating a new user profile, or even after performing a system restore. But fear not; we’ve outlined two effective solutions to help you overcome this frustrating issue.
Solution 1: Replacing the Corrupted NTUSER.DAT File
In short:
- Restart in Safe Mode.
- Open File Explorer and go to ‘C:\Users’.
- Enable “Hidden items” and locate the Default profile folder.
- Rename or move the corrupt NTUSER.DAT file.
- Copy a working NTUSER.DAT from another profile and paste it into the Default User folder.
One of the most common causes of the “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded” error is a corrupt or damaged NTUSER.DAT file. To rectify this, you can replace the problematic NTUSER.DAT file in the default profile of your computer with an uncorrupted version.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Press and hold the Shift button on the sign-in page and then tap Restart. This action will launch the Windows 10 boot options menu, allowing you to boot your computer into Safe Mode.
- Proceed to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press the F4 key or the number 4 on your keyboard to initiate Safe Mode.
- Open the File Explorer and navigate to the Local Disk (usually the C drive).
- Access the ‘C:\Users’ folder and double-click to open it. Note that the Default profile folder is hidden by default, so make sure to enable the “Hidden items” option to reveal it in File Explorer.
- Inside the Default profile folder, locate the NTUSER.DAT file and rename it. Alternatively, you can move it to a different location, such as an external storage device.
- Return to the ‘C:\Users’ folder and copy the NTUSER.DAT file from a guest profile or any other working profile.
- Paste the copied NTUSER.DAT file into the Default User folder.
- Attempt to log back into the user profile that was displaying the error. You should now be able to log in successfully.
Solution 2: Set User Profile Service to Automatic
In short:
- Restart in Safe Mode.
- Open Run with Windows key + R.
- Type ‘services.msc’ and hit Enter.
- Find “User Profile Service,” double-click, and set “Startup Type” to “Automatic.”
- Restart your computer.
If the first solution doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try changing and ensuring the startup type of your user profile service is set to automatic.
Here’s how to do it:
- Repeat steps 1 to 4 from Solution 1 to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
- Use the Windows key + R shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type or paste ‘services.msc’ into the Run box and press Enter.
- Locate the “User Profile Service” in the list of services, then double-click it to access its properties.
- In the Startup Type section, ensure that it is set to “Automatic.”
- Click OK to save the changes.
- Restart your computer and check if you can now log in successfully.
FAQ – People also ask
What does the “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded” error mean on Windows 10?
This error message indicates an issue preventing the system from loading your user profile during login.
Why does the error occur after a Windows 10 update?
Sometimes, updates can affect user profile files or settings, leading to compatibility issues that trigger this error.
Can creating a new user profile cause this error?
Creating a new user profile might occasionally lead to misconfigured settings that result in an error during login.
How can I boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10?
Please restart your computer, and as it starts up, press the F4 key or the number 4 on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.
Why do I need to replace the NTUSER.DAT file?
The NTUSER.DAT file contains user-specific settings and configurations. If it’s corrupted, it can prevent your profile from loading correctly.
What if Solution 1 doesn’t work?
If replacing the NTUSER.DAT file doesn’t resolve the issue, Solution 2 involves adjusting the startup type of the User Profile Service to “Automatic.”
How does Solution 2 help?
Setting the User Profile Service to “Automatic” ensures that the required service starts correctly, potentially resolving any issues preventing your profile from loading.
Can I perform these solutions without Safe Mode?
Accessing Safe Mode is recommended, as it provides a controlled environment for changing critical system components.
Will these solutions affect my data?
Solution 1 involves copying files, while Solution 2 adjusts a service setting. If followed correctly, your data should remain unaffected.
If I encounter the error after a system restore, can these solutions help?
Yes, these solutions can also address the error if it occurs following a system restore, as they target the underlying profile and service configurations.
Conclusion
Encountering the “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded” error on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but rest assured that solutions are available to get your system back on track.
Whether the error stems from a corrupt NTUSER.DAT file or a misconfigured startup type for the user profile service, these two methods can help you resolve the issue and regain access to your computer.
Following these steps, you can troubleshoot the error and successfully log into your Windows 10 user profile again.
