How do i fix "the user profile service failed the sign in" without logging into an account?

Mulham 0 Reputation points
2024-03-28T08:45:22.8233333+00:00

So, i've recently done a full reset on a windows 10 pc. After this, trying to get any account gives the error "The User Profile Service service failed the sign-in. User profile cannot be loaded." I have tried restarting multiple times and switching accounts, however now the other accounts I had have disappeared and i can only select one. I have also tried using the command prompt to get an administrative account, however this still does not allow me to login.

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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  1. Wesley Li 4,815 Reputation points
    2024-03-29T03:30:29.9+00:00

    Hello

    If you're encountering the "The User Profile Service service failed the sign-in. User profile cannot be loaded." error on Windows 10 after performing a full reset, and you're unable to log in even with administrative privileges, there are several steps you can take to try to resolve the issue:

    Restart in Safe Mode:

    • Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key before the Windows logo appears.
    • Select "Safe Mode" from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
    • Once in Safe Mode, try logging in with the affected user account. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, which might allow you to bypass the error.

    Check Registry Entries:

    • Boot into Safe Mode (if possible).
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

    • Check each subkey under ProfileList for the ProfileImagePath entry.
    • Ensure that each entry corresponds to an existing user profile directory. If any entry points to a non-existent directory, delete the corresponding subkey.
    • Restart your computer and try logging in again.

    Use System Restore:

    • If you have a system restore point created before the issue occurred, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state.
    • Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu (you may need to use a Windows installation media).
    • Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "System Restore."
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and initiate the restoration process.

    Perform a Repair Install:

    • If none of the above methods work, you may need to perform a repair install of Windows 10. This process reinstalls Windows while preserving your files, applications, and settings.
    • You'll need a Windows 10 installation media (USB drive or DVD).
    • Boot from the installation media and choose "Install Now."
    • Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the "Ready to install" screen.
    • Select "Change what to keep" and choose "Keep personal files and apps."
    • Continue with the installation process, and Windows will reinstall while preserving your data and applications.  
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  3. Mulham 0 Reputation points
    2024-03-30T09:40:45.8366667+00:00

    Hello again! Thank you so much for your support. I have managed to find a way to fix the problem by myself. I found the solution was the top video when I searched "user profile service failed", by Victor Explains, so i guess I didn't search well enough 🙃. The video is linked below, but I did write down the process if you would rather read

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ0fefP2ffU

    So I went into the troubleshooting options by holding Shift and clicking Restart, then clicking on "Troubleshoot" in the menu that opens up. Then I pressed "Reset this PC", and "Keep my files". If I remember correctly, I previously pressed "Remove everything". Then, I chose my account, entered my password, and chose "Local reinstall". Previously, I had used "Cloud download". After that, it was just the waiting game.

    This made my PC appear as completely fresh, with all of my files, apps, and personal settings removed. Which is what i wanted. It is rather embarrassing that I found the solution so easily after going through so much trouble and asking for help, but in my defence I am a silly goose.

    Hope this helps anyone!

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