There are times when moving Windows user profiles off the default location is necessary, especially if there is no enough space on the system partition. In this tutorial we’ll walk you through the steps of moving the entire Users profile directory (for example, C:Users) to another drive in Windows 10, 8 and 7. This method will also change the default profile location so any new users that’re created later will have their profiles located under your new location.
How to Move the Windows User Profiles to Another Drive?
- Before getting started, you need to create a temporary administrator account, which can be deleted after moving the user profiles.
- Log in to Windows with the temporary administrator account. Open Windows Explorer and browse to the root path of your system drive. Right-click on the Users folder and copy the entire folder to the new location (e.g. from C:Users to E:Users). During the copying process, there are some temporary files that are locked and would not copy. Just skip those files.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type regedit and hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
- In the left side of Registry Editor, locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
- In the right pane, we need to modify the value for these entries: Default, ProfilesDirectory and Public. Replace %SystemDrive%Users with your new profile directory, such as E:Users. After modifying the values, it should look like as the following screenshot.
- Expand the ProfileList node at the left side, you’ll see several subkeys (starting with ‘S-1-5-‘) that are named with the SID of your user accounts. Open each subkey and check the ProfileImagePath entry. If it’s pointed to your old profile folder, change the value to the new user profile location (e.g. C:UsersTom to E:UsersTom).
- Now close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer and log in as your usual user. Everything should be working correctly except for programs that use a hardcoded user profile location.
- Now you can then rename or delete the original user profile and remove the temporary administrator account. From now on, any new user that logs to this computer will also have his/her profile stored in the newly specified location.
Related posts:
It can take a long time to set up your computer exactly the way you want it. By the time you’ve finished, it probably won’t look anything like the vanilla version of the operating system (OS) that loads when you turn on a machine for the first time.
As such, it can be an annoying process to migrate to a new computer, or even to create duplicate accounts on the same machine. Nobody wants to spend days digging through every option in the Settings appThe Windows 10 Settings Guide: How to Do Anything and EverythingThe Windows 10 Settings Guide: How to Do Anything and EverythingDo you know your way around the Settings app in Windows 10? Here's everything you need to know.Read More or transferring endless files and photos.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be so time-consuming. It’s very easy to move your Windows 10 user profile. In this article, I’m going to explain a few different approaches you can try.
Behind the Scenes
Before I dive into the various methods, it’s wise to spend some time explaining the background. When you install a clean copy of Windows 10, either five or six system folders are created:
- Perf Logs — Records of your system’s performance and problems.
- Program Files — Where Windows installs most apps.
- Program Files (x86) — Where Windows installs any non-x64 applications (only available on x64 computers).
- Windows — The OS files and device driver.
- ProgramData — A home of some applications’ data and setting.
- User — Home to your files, media, and importantly, AppData folder.
Technically, you can move any of these files to a new machine. In practice, you should not move PerfLogs, ProgramData, Program Files, Program Files (x86), and Windows. There are too many variables that can create issues if you relocate them.
However, you can move the User folder, and it’s this folder the rest of the article will focus on.
Windows 10 Copy User Profile Download
Windows Easy Transfer
In previous versions of Windows, moving the User folder was easy; Microsoft packaged a tool called Windows Easy Transfer into the OS. The tool could move data files and folders, user accounts, configuration data for both Windows and apps, and Windows Registry data.
However, despite being a permanent fixture from Windows XP to Windows 8.1, it’s now gone. Therefore, we need to use alternative methods. Here are three of the best.
Warning: Create a system restore pointHow to Factory Reset Windows 10 or Use System RestoreHow to Factory Reset Windows 10 or Use System RestoreLearn how System Restore and Factory Reset can help you survive any Windows 10 disasters and recover your system.Read More and a make complete backup of all your data before attempting any of the following steps.
Moving Between Drives
Firstly, let’s investigate how to move the folder between different drives on the same machine.
Windows 10 Copy User Profile Password
This trick is especially useful if you’re running both an SSD and HDD. The SSD is often limited in space and can degrade quickly with several writesHow to Estimate the Remaining Lifespan of Your SSDHow to Estimate the Remaining Lifespan of Your SSDAll SSDs have a limited lifespan due to write cycles (though this lifespan is much longer than you might think). Here's how you can estimate how close you are to the end.Read More. It makes more sense to keep the User folder on your HDD.
To begin, you need to download a free third-party tool called Profile Relocator. It’s a portable appThe Best Portable Apps That Require No InstallationThe Best Portable Apps That Require No InstallationPortable apps don't need installation. You can run them from even a flash drive. Here are the best portable apps around.Read More that doesn’t require installation.
When you run the app, you’ll see a message that reads “Unsupported operating system, continue at own risk.” You can ignore the warning and click the checkbox.
On the next screen, choose the new location for the folder and click Start. The app will take care of the rest.
Note: Windows will create any future profiles in your chosen destination.
Move to a New Computer
Profile Relocator is great if you want to shift files around on one machine, but what happens if you want to migrate to a different computer entirely? In short, you’ll need another tool.
For this, my recommendation is Transwiz. Like Profile Relocator, it’s entirely free to download and use.
For the app to work, you need to download and install a copy on both the machine that currently hosts your profile and the machine you want to move your profile onto.
If you only have one user profile on the host computer, you’ll have to create another one. The app cannot transfer a profile that’s currently in use. Attempting to do so will force the app to display the following error message: “The profile is currently in use. To transfer this profile, make sure the user has signed off and then try again.”
On the first screen, the app will ask you whether you’re working on the host computer or destination computer. Make sure you select I want to transfer data to another computer.
Next, you have to choose the profile you want to move. Make your selection and hit Next, then select the destination for the to-be-created ZIP file. The app will also ask you if you want to add a password to protect your profile from prying eyes.
The app will turn your profile into a ZIP folder. Depending on the size of your User profile folder, it could take several minutes.
Once the process is complete, put the ZIP file on a USB stick.
Now head to the destination computer and fire up the app. This time, choose I have data I want to transfer to this computer on the first screen. You will be asked to select the directory of the ZIP file.
On the next screen, you can give your profile a new name and decide whether you want it to be the default profile for your computer. Hit Next when you’re happy with your selections.
Let Transwiz unpack your profile. When the process has finished, you will be able to log into your created profile on the main sign-in screen.
Transwiz can do a lot more than merely move your User folder between computers. Here are some of the other features you might find useful:
- If you’re coming from Windows XP or VistaHow to Upgrade From Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10How to Upgrade From Windows XP to Windows 7 or 10If you're still running Windows XP, it's high time to upgrade! Whether you want to move to Windows 10 or Windows 7, the process is mostly the same. We explain it step by step.Read More, the app can transform your User profile into one that’s compatible with Windows 7, 8, or 10.
- It can back up your profile for safety. You can create backups on external drives, internal drives, and a variety of removable media.
- You can pay for a Pro edition that includes a command-line interface, multiple profile support, and support for file exclusions.
The All-in-One Solution
If you want to move more than just your User profile (e.g. other files, settings, profiles, applications), your best solution is to pay $45 for PCmover Express. Amazingly, this expensive app is the Microsoft-approved solution. It’s essentially the direct replacement for Windows Easy Transfer.
There’s no denying it’s a powerful and holistic tool, but most users don’t need to pay the excessive cost for a one-time operation. You should only consider it if you’re trying to move multiple accounts and software, for example, if you’re an SME owner who’s moving employees to new machines.
Which Tools Do You Use?
I’ve introduced you to three tools that can help move your User profile, but there are more tools out there that can perform the same task.
If you’re highly competent, it’s even possible to move the folders using a clean installHow to 1-Click Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Personal DataHow to 1-Click Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Personal DataWindows 10 is adding a new method of reinstalling in the new Creators Update. Here's how to use it and how it works.Read More, Audit Mode, Notepad, and Command Prompt, but the process is way beyond the scope of this article.
How do you easily migrate User profiles between discs or machines? You can leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Image Credits: Milan Ilic Photographer/Shutterstock
Explore more about: Data Backup, System Restore, Windows 10.
- I recommend using USMTGUI as it uses USMT.
USMT is MS Reference tool for profile migrations and what Easy Transfer used.
http://www.usmtgui.com
It is a commercial program but is only $10 for home users. - There are a number of tools on the market that perform this without forcing techs to go bald during the process. One tool corps like is HEAT Migration Manager (now Ivanti). It's fast and smartly designed. I saw a company use it over a weekend and it blazed. It was pretty cool. Laplink is great for personal use. Forget some of the other ones. They lack automation. One time we used a product that began with 'Z' and it failed and then the company called the cops on this guy claiming that he was committing fraud. NICE!
- And THIS is the problem with Microsoft - they keep changing things on purpose --> not to make things better but to make them more confusing. WET was available, it worked - we can't have that! Now you need to down load >SEVERAL< 'free (not!)' tools that do half baked jobs. You can't have the control panel anymore, you just got all the quirks figured out so now you must use a different 'app'. Oh well use Sever xxx. What about the person who has 10, 20 or more just stand alone computers? And ADK, Ha! Depends on what version 16xx, 17xx and it still does not work! It appears to me MS just likes to mess things up because 'they don't want you to use YOUR computer the way YOU want to.' Why the hell is every Win10 user forced to have XBOX? Because MS 'makes you'. EULA my butt - license for spyware.
- I overall agree with what was said, but don't kid yourself: Apple is doing the same thing or worse. Have you taken a look at their current MacBook Pro for example and how they replaced the F-keys with a touch display that 'displays' the F-keys instead? Because, why not. It's a new feature and they *can*. Also, iPhone 7 has no more RCA jack because? Right. They *can* and *do* and the want to sell you their Bluetooth earbuds. It's all about the money with these two giants. And, yeah, Google is probably just as bad, though they just want you to use them for everything because.. well.. who doesn't use Google. Right?
*rant over* (Go Linux)
Not being able to login to your computer due to Corrupted User Profile can be quite frustrating. You will find below the steps to Fix Corrupt User Profile in Windows 10.
Corrupt User Profile in Windows 10
According to Microsoft, User Profile can get corrupted if the Antivirus program on your computer was busy scanning the PC while you were trying to Login to your User Account.
Apart from this, there could be many other reasons for Corrupted User Profile in Windows 10.
If the User Profile is Corrupted, you won’t be able to login to your User Account. You can either Login to another User Account (with Admin privileges) or boot your computer in Safe Mode and use any of the following methods.
- Fix Corrupted User Profile Using Registry Editor
- Create New User and Transfer Files from Old to New User Account.
1. Use Registry Editor to Fix Corrupt User Profile in Windows 10
Login to another User Account (With Admin Privileges) or boot your computer in Safe Mode and follow the steps below to Fix Corrupted User Profile in Windows 10.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. On the Run Command window, type regedit and click on OK.
3. On the Registry Editor screen, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList.
4. Open the ProfileList Folder and you will see Folders starting with S-1-5. Each of these Folders represents a User Profile or a User Account created on your computer.
Now, the task is to identify the right S-1-5 Folder that belongs to the Corrupted User Profile. You can do this by clicking on each S-1-5 Entry and taking a look at the “Data” Column for ProfileImagePath Entry.
As you can see in above image, the “User Name” is visible in the “Data” Column for ProfileImagePath Entry.
5. Once you find the right S-1-5 Folder, double-click on the State Field in the right pane. This will launch an Edit DWORD Window.
6. On the Edit DWORD Window, change the Value Data from 1 to 0 and click on the OK button.
7. Similarly, double-click on RefCount entry and change the Value Data from 1 to 0.
If you cannot find “RefCount”, right-click anywhere (blank space) in the right pane > click on New > DWORD (32 bit) and type RefCount as the Name for this New DWORD.
8. Close the Registry Editor and Restart your computer.
After this, you should be able to Login to your User Account.
2. Create A New User Account
Another method to Fix Corrupted User Profile in Windows 10 is to create a New User Account and transfer Files from Old to New User Account.
In case you have an alternate Admin Account that is not blocked, you can straight away Login to your Spare Admin Account and create a New User Account.
However, if your Admin Account is blocked, you can follow the steps below (2.1) to get access to Hidden Admin Account that Microsoft makes available for such occasions.
2.1 Access Hidden Admin Account
1. Start your computer in Safe Mode.
2. Next, right-click on Start and click on Command Prompt (Admin).
3. In the Command Prompt window, type net user administrator /active:yes and press the Enter Key on the Keyboard of your computer.
4. You will see a message reading “The command completed successfully“.
5. Now, Restart your computer and you will be able to login to the Secret Admin Account that you just activated.
2.2. Create New User Account
When you reboot your computer after enabling the Hidden Admin Account, you will be able to see both your New Admin Account and also the Corrupted User Account.
Login to the secret Admin Account (no password required) and follow the steps below to create a New User Profile on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > Accounts > click on Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
2. Follow the instructions to create a New User Account.
Note: You can either create a New User Account that is linked to your Microsoft ID or create a local user account that is not linked to Microsoft ID.
Important: The Account Name of the New User Account needs to be different from the Corrupted User Account. Later on you can Rename the Account (if you want to maintain the same User Name as before).
2.3. Transfer Files From Old to New User Account
Now the last and final step is to Transfer all your required files from Old to New User Account.
1. Go to Users Folder located at C:/Users.
In this Folder, you will find sub-folders for every User Account on your computer, including the User Account with Corrupted User Profile and the New User Account that you had just created.
3. Open the Corrupted User Profile Folder and copy Desktop, Contacts, Downloads and other Files that you want to transfer to the New User Account.
Important: Do not copy the entire User Folder, as you will end up copying the following hidden system files that are related to your Corrupted User Profile.
- Ntuser.dat
- Ntuser.dat.log
- Ntuser.ini
4. Next, open the New User Account Folder (located at C:/Users) and Paste the Files into the New User Folder.
Now, Login to your New User Account and you will be able to see all the Files from your Corrupted User Account.
Your new User Account will not be exactly the same as your old account, you will still need to change your desktop background, create Folder/Program shortcuts as required by you. Security center failed to validate caller with error dc040780. id.
Transferring data from your old computer to the new one is not such an easy affair. While the cloning tools will transfer the data, they may fail to back up the user profile and the domain settings. A User Profile is one where Windows stores your data including, “My Documents”, “My Pictures” and “My Music”. It is also the location wherein all your personal settings are stored. In the case of IT organizations, it becomes inevitable to reconcile multiple Windows domain into a single Active Directory, and while this can be done by setting up a new domain, you will lose the data nevertheless.
Migrate User Profile to Domain Account
ForensIT User Profile Wizard Personal Edition, which is free, will help you migrate your current user profile to your new domain account so that you can keep all your existing data and settings. It not only transfers your user profile but also the associated domain details. In essence, it is a workstation migration tool that will automatically join your machine to a domain and migrate the original user profile to the new domain so that you are all set to start working on the new machine.
To start the Domain Migration, one needs to use the User Profile deployment kit. To get started choose “Create new Config file.” Once this is done the program will ask you to enter the domain details, selecting the Join Domain would ask the workstation to join the new domain, and the Force Join option will tell User Profile Wizard to join the new domain even if it is already joined to the domain. Furthermore, the Domain Administrator will ask you for the domain credentials which of course are encrypted.
In the forthcoming step, the User Profile Wizard asks for the name of the domain we are migrating from. Just enter the existing domain name.
The next step will allow you to set various options related to the user’s current user account. In case you are using the Outlook Exchange server don’t forget to tick on the “Update Outlook Exchange Settings.” Download windows 8.1 bing edition.
Now, the User Profile Wizard asks for settings related to migrating over a VPN. Please do keep in mind that all of the above operations can only be done by signing up as an administrator if you are migrating remotely the machine still needs to be using Administrator credentials. If you want to run any Windows Script explicitly, you can do so by pointing out the path of the script. In the next step, the Deployment kit will inform you that it is ready to write the configuration files and clicking on Yes will complete the process.
In a nutshell, here are all the features offered by the Domain Migration Tool
- It helps migrate all the information including the data and settings on Windows XP/Windows 7 and Windows 10.
- The Program will automatically join your machine to a new domain.
- Extends support to all Active Directory and Samba domains
- Also, migrates from domain to the workgroup
- Includes Enterprise Strength Scripting support.
- Push migrations of remote machines supported.
User Profile Wizard free download
Download the free User Profile Wizard Personal Edition along with the User Guide from here.
Some of you might want to take a look at Transwiz User Profile Transfer Wizard and Windows Easy Transfer too.
TIP: Download this tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically
Related Posts:
User profiles store settings for your desktop and other information related to your user account. You can create a different profile on each computer you use, or you can select a roaming profile that is the same on every computer you use. _ by Microsoft Windows System
Can I Transfer Windows 10 User Profile to A New Windows 10 PC
'I have a laptop and have already upgraded it to Windows 10 Pro. I recently bought a new computer with Windows 10 Pro. I want to transfer my User Profile from my current Windows 10 Pro computer to the new computer so I have all my files and settings set up for the new machine. What if I need to backup and restore user profiles from one PC to another PC and both are running Windows 10.'
According to the explanation of User Profile from the Windows system, it's clear that users can create multiple user accounts, using variable profiles, on one computer. Also, Windows users can share the same User folders and settings on multiple computers. When the problem comes up to you, relax and follow this page to find the right solution.
It is indeed bothering to spend a long time setting up your new Windows PC with exactly the same settings and user folders as the old one. So, is there a more efficient way to resolve this issue? Follow on and you'll learn two simple ways - use Windows backup software in Solution 1 or try a manual method in Solution 2 to copy user profile in Windows 10 and transfer to another PC.
Solution 1. Back Up User Profile with Windows Backup Software
Usually, manual user files backup costs too much time. And simply copying User folders can only back up some visible documents on the desktop. A better choice is to use a piece of free Windows backup software to back up Windows OS with User Profile on a local computer and even transfer to a new PC.
Back Up Windows System with User Profile in Windows 10
EaseUS Todo Backup with its Windows System backup feature can create a full backup of User Profile data and Windows system so to protect your current system and data security in Windows 10/8/7.
Step 1. Run EaseUS Todo Backup and choose 'System Backup' to backup the current operating system on your computer.
Step 2. On the 'System Backup' window, there are several options for you to backup OS intelligently.
- Select a backup location - Click 'Browse' to choose your own backup storage device.
- Add a plan name and description - it's necessary when there are many similar backups in the same location.
- Schedule - Click 'Schedule' and you can set an auto OS backup task by daily, weekly..or upon an event.
- Image-reserve strategy - manage your increasing OS backups in an organized way.
- Backup options - to create an OS backup without taking too much disk space, enable OS backup encryption, etc.
Step 3. Click 'Proceed' after making all necessary settings.
Back Up and Transfer User Profile to A New PC
If you need to back up and transfer the User Profile to a new PC in Windows 10/8/7, please install EaseUS Todo Backup to both two computers and connect an empty external hard drive or USB with a bigger storage space than your System drive, to your old PC.
Then follow the listed link here for a guide: Copy System Image to Another Computer.
By doing so, you'll be able to use all transferred User folders, files and even relative settings on the new PC. If you prefer to transfer your account settings with user folders only to a new PC, including personalization settings, power settings, desktop files, you can refer to Transfer User account settings for help.
Solution 2. Copy User Profile Using Backup and Restore Tool
The Backup and Restore is a Windows built-in tool, also called Backupckup and Restore (Windows 7), which allows users to manually copy and create a backup of Windows system or User Profile. By this way, you can create a full copy of all files and data that are relative to the User Profile in Windows 10 and even to transfer the backup to a new PC.
To Copy and Create A Backup of Windows 10 User Profile
Step 1: If you want to save storage space on your PC, connect an external hard drive or USB to your PC to save the backup image of User Profile.
Step 2: Click on 'Start' and click 'Control Panel' then choose'Backup and Restore (Windows 7)'.
Step 3: Click 'Set up backup' in this screen.
Step 4: Select the external device or a local drive as the target location to save the backup image and click 'Next' to continue.
Step 5: In the next screen, select 'Let me choose' and click 'Next'.
Step 6: Select the specific user library or all of the created users profiles that you need to transfer. If you only want to back user profile up, uncheck the option 'Include a System Image' and click 'Next'.
Step 7: Next, it will give you a summary of this backup operation. If no issues, click 'Save settings and run backup'.
All you need is to wait for the process complete, and if you want to transfer the backup image of User Profile to a new PC, continue with the following guidelines.
- Notice:
- Please make sure that the target computer is using the same Windows OS as your current one. Otherwise, the User Profile may become unreadable or cannot be recognized.
To Transfer User Profile to A New PC in Windows 10/8/7
Step 1: Connect the storage device with User Profile backup to the new PC and Open Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2: Click on 'Select another backup to restore files from'.
Step 3: Click 'Select the backup that you want to restore User Profile from' and click 'Next' to continue.
Step 4: Click 'Browse for folders' to select the backup image of User Profile, click 'Next' to continue.
Step 5: Last, select the location to restore your files, 'In the original location' or click 'Browse' to specify the location to save the User Profile on the new PC.
Please tick 'In the original location' to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Then click 'Restore' and you can wait for the restoring process complete, restart your computer and you can see the same user profile folders, files showing up on the desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, etc folders.
Please tick 'In the original location' to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Then click 'Restore' and you can wait for the restoring process complete, restart your computer and you can see the same user profile folders, files showing up on the desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, etc folders.
Conclusion
This page offers you two reliable methods of how to back up User Profile and transfer to a new PC in Windows 10 by using Windows backup software and a manual tool.
If you are a Windows 8.1/8/7 user or using even older Windows system, feel free to follow this page, and you'll learn how to deal with this issue on your own.