The “User Profile Service failed the sign-in” error typically appears when Windows cannot properly load your user profile during the login process. As a result, you may be locked out of your account and unable to access your desktop.
Corrupted user profile files, damaged registry entries, interrupted Windows updates, disk errors, or system file corruption may trigger this.
Below, I have mentioned quick and explained steps to resolve this error. Follow them to identify the right cause!
Quick Steps to Fix the Error
- Restart your computer and try signing in again.
- Boot Windows into Safe Mode.
- Repair the user profile through the Windows Registry Editor.
- Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM scans.
- Create a new user account and transfer your files.
- Perform a System Restore if the issue started recently.
Fix “User Profile Service Failed the Sign-in” Error in Windows
A user profile contains your personal settings, desktop configuration, files, preferences, and account information. When Windows cannot read or load this profile correctly, it displays the “User Profile Service failed the sign-in” message.
The problem often develops after an unexpected shutdown, malware infection, interrupted update, hard drive issues, or corruption within the Windows Registry. Since several factors can trigger the error, it is best to work through the solutions one by one until the problem is resolved.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Attempt Sign-in Again
The first thing you should do is perform a complete restart of your computer. Although it may seem simple, temporary system glitches can sometimes prevent Windows from loading a user profile correctly.
Shut down your PC completely rather than selecting Sleep or Hibernate. Wait for a few seconds before turning it back on. Once Windows loads, attempt to sign in using your account credentials.
If the error was caused by a temporary service failure or a process that failed to start correctly, a restart may resolve the issue immediately. If the problem persists, move on to the next solution.
Step 2: Start Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. This environment makes it easier to troubleshoot profile-related problems because unnecessary programs are prevented from loading.
If you are unable to log in normally, restart your computer and enter the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, navigate to the startup settings menu and choose the option to boot into Safe Mode.
Once Safe Mode loads, sign in using your account. If you can successfully access Windows in Safe Mode, it indicates that your profile may still be recoverable and that the issue is likely related to corrupted settings, drivers, or services.
Take note of whether your account loads properly. This information can help determine the most effective repair method.
Step 3: Repair the User Profile Registry Entry
One of the most common causes of this error is a damaged registry entry associated with your Windows profile.
While logged into Safe Mode, open the Registry Editor by typing regedit into the Windows search box and pressing Enter. Navigate to the ProfileList section within the Windows Registry.
Inside the ProfileList folder, you may notice two similar profile entries. One of them may contain a .bak extension. This often indicates that Windows has created a duplicate profile reference due to corruption.
Carefully identify the correct profile by checking the associated profile path. If the .bak entry contains your user information, rename the entries according to Microsoft’s recommended repair process. Then adjust the State and RefCount values to zero if necessary.
After making the changes, close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
When Windows restarts, try signing in again. In many cases, repairing the profile registry entry successfully restores access to the account.
Step 4: Run System File Checker and DISM Scans
Corrupted system files can interfere with profile loading and trigger login errors. Windows includes built-in tools designed to detect and repair damaged files automatically.
Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run the following command:
sfc /scannow
The System File Checker scan will examine protected Windows files and replace corrupted versions with healthy copies.
Once the scan completes, run the following commands one at a time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool repairs the Windows image used for system recovery and file restoration.
These scans may take some time depending on your system’s performance. After completion, restart your computer and attempt to log in again.
Step 5: Check the Hard Drive for Errors
Storage-related problems can damage profile data and prevent Windows from accessing account information correctly.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command:
chkdsk C: /f /r
This command instructs Windows to locate bad sectors, repair file system errors, and recover readable information whenever possible.
If Windows reports that the drive is currently in use, you will be asked whether you want to schedule the scan during the next restart. Confirm the request and restart your computer.
The scan may take a considerable amount of time, particularly on large drives. Once it finishes, attempt to sign in and verify whether the issue has been resolved.
Step 6: Create a New User Account
If your original profile is severely corrupted, creating a new account may be the fastest way to restore access to Windows.
Log in using another administrator account or Safe Mode with administrative privileges. Open the account management settings and create a new local or Microsoft account.
After creating the account, sign in using the new credentials. If the new profile loads correctly, Windows itself is functioning properly, and the issue is isolated to the original profile.
You can then copy important files such as documents, pictures, downloads, and desktop items from the old profile folder into the new account.
Although this solution may require some file migration, it often provides a permanent fix when profile corruption cannot be repaired.
Step 7: Perform a System Restore
If the error appeared recently after installing software, drivers, or Windows updates, System Restore may help.
System Restore returns your computer to an earlier working state without affecting personal files. It reverses system-level changes that may have caused the profile problem.
Open the Windows Recovery Environment and select the System Restore option. Choose a restore point created before the issue began and allow Windows to complete the restoration process.
Once the process finishes, restart the computer and attempt to sign in. Many users find that restoring Windows to a previous state resolves profile-related errors quickly.
Step 8: Install Pending Windows Updates
Outdated system components can sometimes contribute to user profile issues. If you gain access to Windows through Safe Mode or another account, check for available updates.
Open the Windows Update settings and install all pending updates. Microsoft regularly releases fixes that address profile loading problems, security vulnerabilities, and system stability issues.
After the updates are installed, restart your computer and test the affected account again.
Step 9: Reset Windows as a Last Resort
If none of the previous methods work, you may need to reset Windows.
The Reset This PC feature reinstalls Windows while giving you the option to keep your personal files. This process removes damaged system configurations that may be preventing successful sign-in.
Access the recovery options and select the reset feature. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the option that best fits your needs.
Because this method makes significant changes to your system, it should only be used after attempting all other troubleshooting steps.
FAQs
Why does the “User Profile Service failed the sign-in” error occur?
The error usually occurs because Windows cannot load the user profile correctly. Common causes include corrupted profile files, damaged registry entries, failed updates, malware infections, and disk errors.
Can I fix the error without losing my files?
Yes. Most solutions, including registry repair, SFC scans, DISM repairs, and System Restore, do not delete personal files. However, backing up important data is always recommended before making system changes.
Is Safe Mode necessary for fixing the issue?
In many cases, yes. Safe Mode provides access to troubleshooting tools and administrative functions when normal sign-in is not possible.
What should I do if the registry repair does not work?
If registry repairs fail, try running SFC and DISM scans, checking the hard drive, creating a new user account, or performing a System Restore.
Will creating a new user account delete my old data?
No. Your old profile folder usually remains on the computer, allowing you to copy personal files into the new account.
Can malware cause this error?
Yes. Certain malware infections can corrupt user profiles, system files, or registry entries, leading to sign-in failures. Running a security scan is a good precaution.