How to Delete User Profile of an Account in Windows 11?

Deleting a user profile in Windows 11 can free up storage space and resolve issues caused by corrupted profiles. While deleting an account removes the profile data by default, there are cases where you might need to manually delete a user profile without removing the account itself. This guide explains how to delete user profiles using different methods, ensuring safe and thorough removal.

Deleting a user profile is useful when:

• The profile is corrupted , causing errors or login issues.
• You need to remove leftover data after deleting an account.
• You want to free up disk space occupied by unused profiles.

Deleting a profile ensures that all settings, files, and customizations associated with the account are removed while keeping the system clean and optimized.

Method 1: Using Advanced System Properties

This method allows you to delete user profiles directly through the System Properties settings:

• Press Winkey + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.

Run Sysdm.cpl command in run window

• Go to the Advanced tab.

Click Advanced Tab

• Under User Profiles , click the Settings button.

Click the Settings option

• In the User Profiles window, select the profile you want to delete.

Choose the profile and click the delete button

• Click Delete , then confirm the action.

Click yes button to continue the deletion

Note: This method removes the profile data but does not delete the associated account.

Method 2: Using File Explorer to Manually Delete Profile Data

You can manually delete a user profile by removing its folder in File Explorer :

• Open File Explorer by pressing Winkey + E.

Open File Explorer option

• Navigate to the user profiles folder, usually located at:
  • C:\Users\

The command will list all the available user profiles

• Locate the folder named after the account you want to delete.
• Right-click the folder and select Delete.

Right click on the profile and choose delete option

• Confirm the action and empty the Recycle Bin.

Click Empty the Recycle bin to empty the bin and delete the profile completely

Important: Ensure the account is not logged in when deleting its profile folder, as this could cause errors.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

If you manually delete a profile folder, residual entries might remain in the registry. Follow these steps to remove them:

• Press Winkey + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Running Regedit Command in Run Window

• Navigate to the following key:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
• Under the ProfileList key, locate the subkey associated with the deleted user profile. Look for the ProfileImagePath entry to identify the correct user.

Identify the profile using profile image path as shown in the above image

• Right-click the subkey and select Delete.

Once you found the profile, right click and delete the profile

• Restart your computer.

Caution: Modifying the registry can be risky. Back up the registry before making changes.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

For advanced users, PowerShell provides a quick way to delete user profiles:

• Click the Start menu, search and select PowerShell (Admin).

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

• Run the following command to list all user profiles:
  • Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_UserProfile | Select-Object LocalPath

Command to list all profiles in PowerShell

• Identify the profile you want to delete, then use the following command:
  • Remove-CimInstance -InputObject (Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_UserProfile | Where-Object { $_.LocalPath -eq 'C:\Users\ProfileName' })

Command to delete user profile

• Replace ProfileName with the name of the profile folder.
• Restart your computer to finalize the changes.

Method 5: Using Local Users and Groups

If you’re running Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, you can delete a profile through Local Users and Groups :

• Press Winkey + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter.

lusrmgr.msc

• Select Users from the left pane.
• Right-click the user account whose profile you want to delete, and select Delete.
• Confirm the action.

Note: This method deletes the account and its associated profile. Use it only if you want to completely remove the user.

Conclusion

Deleting a user profile in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient system. Whether you’re resolving a corrupted profile or freeing up disk space, the methods outlined above provide complete solutions for safely removing profiles. From Advanced System Properties to PowerShell and Registry Editor , you have multiple options to choose from based on your level of expertise and preference.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will deleting a user profile delete the account?

No , deleting the profile only removes the associated data. The account will remain active unless explicitly deleted.

Can I recover a deleted user profile?

If you’ve backed up the profile folder or used a system restore point, you may be able to recover it. Otherwise, the data is permanently deleted.

Why am I unable to delete a user profile?

Ensure the account is not logged in. You may need administrative privileges to delete certain profiles.

What happens to the files and settings of a deleted profile?

All user-specific files, settings, and customizations will be removed. Shared files or system settings remain unaffected.

Is it safe to delete a profile via the registry?

Yes, as long as you follow the instructions carefully. Always back up the registry before making changes.