Share via

I want to delete an user account but keep the data in it.

Anonymous
2023-11-22T13:16:03+00:00

I have 2 user accounts and for some reason I want to delete it but keep the data inside of it. I have not maintained the data, so I don't even know which file belongs to which user account. I don't even know how to back up those files so if you don't have any suggestions then please teach me how to do so.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

9 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DaveM121 868.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-23T12:27:35+00:00

    If you can access the files in that folder, insert a USB Flash Drive into your PC and then drag all the files from that user account onto the USB to save a safe copy of those files.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-23T12:22:51+00:00

    Yes I can

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. DaveM121 868.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-23T11:47:58+00:00

    If you log into the other account you can log into, then open File Explorer

    Go to C:\Users

    Can you see the folder for the account you want to delete and can you get into that folder?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-23T11:42:15+00:00

    Thank you for your attention and your response but I am a novice in using a computer, so I don't know how to manually back up my folder (I am not able to log in to my account).

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. DaveM121 868.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-22T13:50:48+00:00

    HI, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    When you delete a user in Windows that automatically deletes the data associated to that account.

    You would need to manually backup the data for that account first before you delete it.

    Are you able to log into the account you want to delete?

    if you can log into that account, you can manually backup the files form that account out to a USB drive or into a new folder in the root of the C drive for safe keeping

    If you cannot log into that account, then open File Explorer and go to C:\Users

    In there, you should find the user folder for the account you want to delete and from there you can manually backup the files.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments