User Account and a User Profile are two different terms used in Windows. A User Account is a credential-based identity that determines how a user logs into Windows and what permissions they have, while a User Profile is a personalized environment containing a user’s settings, files, and preferences. Each time a user logs into Windows, the operating system authenticates their User Account and loads their User Profile, which includes customizations such as desktop layout, installed apps, and stored documents. This article explains the differences between user accounts and user profiles, as well as how to create, modify, or delete them.
Post Contents :-
What is a User Account?
A User Account is an identity that grants access to a Windows computer. It defines the privileges, security settings, and permissions associated with a user. Each account can be local (restricted to a specific device) or connected to a Microsoft account (allowing synchronization across devices).
Types of User Accounts in Windows:
- Administrator Account – Has full control over the system, can install software, manage settings, and create/remove users.
- Standard User Account – Has limited privileges, can use apps but cannot modify system settings.
- Guest Account (Deprecated) – Temporary account with very restricted access.
- Microsoft Account – A cloud-based account that syncs settings and files across multiple Windows devices.
What is a User Profile?
A User Profile is a collection of personal data, settings, and files that define a user’s experience on a Windows device. When a user logs in, Windows loads their profile, applying personal preferences such as desktop background, file organization, and installed applications.
Each user account includes a user profile, which is made up of files and folders that store the user’s personal files and preferences, application settings, desktop information, and more pieces of data.
User Profile Components:
- Desktop and Start Menu layout
- Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos folders
- Browser settings and bookmarks
- Installed apps and personal configurations
- Registry settings and cached data
Differences Between User Account and User Profile
A “user account” is essentially the login credentials that grant access to a system, including username and password, while a “user profile” is a collection of personal details and preferences associated with that account, like name, contact information, and settings within the platform, allowing for a customized experience. In simpler terms, the account is the key to the door, while the profile is the information displayed once you’re inside.
A user account grants access to Windows, the profile stores personal settings and preferences.
| Feature | User Account | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Login credentials used to access Windows | Collection of personal settings and files |
| Purpose | Identifies and controls user access | Customizes user experience |
| Storage Location | Stored in Windows user database | Stored in C:\Users\Username |
| Types | Admin, Standard, Microsoft, Guest | Local, Roaming, Mandatory, Temporary |
| Impact of Deletion | Removes access to Windows but files remain | Deletes personal settings but the account may still exist |
How to Delete an Existing User Profile or Account
If for some reason you need to remove a user profile or account, you can do this by following the steps below.
Deleting a User Account:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users.
- Under Other Users, select the account you want to remove.
- Click Remove, then confirm by clicking Delete account and data.
This will remove the user account and all associated files, including personal documents.
Deleting a User Profile (Without Removing the Account)
If you want to delete a user’s profile but keep their account:
- Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. - Navigate to the Advanced tab and click Settings under User Profiles.
- Select the profile you want to remove and click Delete.
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
This will reset the user’s settings, and a new profile will be created the next time they log in.
How to Create a New User Account or Profile
Well, Creating a new user ensures each person using the computer has their own customized experience.
To Create a New User Account:
- Open Settings (
Win + I) and go to Accounts > Family & other users. - Click Add account under Other users.
- Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter a username and password, then click Next.
To Create a New User Profile
Windows automatically creates a new profile when a new user logs in for the first time. If you need to manually create a profile:
- Create a new user account as described above.
- Log out of the current account and sign in with the new user.
- Windows will create a new profile under
C:\Users\[Username]. - Customize the profile with preferred settings, apps, and files.
