Fix “The User Profile Service Failed the Logon” in Windows

You’re all set to log into your Windows computer. You enter your password, hit Enter… and boom — a big error message hits you in the face.

“The User Profile Service Failed the Logon. User profile cannot be loaded.”

Ugh! What just happened? Don’t worry — your computer isn’t broken forever. This error is much more common than you think, and yes, it’s fixable.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix it. You don’t need to be a computer genius. Just follow along, and we’ll get you back in control.

🎯 What Does This Error Mean?

When you log into Windows, your profile has to load. That includes your desktop, settings, and personal stuff. If the service that loads it fails, you see this error.

It usually happens because:

• Your profile got corrupted.
• Something glitched during shutdown or restart.
• Your antivirus did something funky.
• You’re dealing with updates gone wrong.

The good news? We can fix all of these!

🛠️ Fix 1: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode is like Windows with all the fun stuff turned off — no drivers, no extra apps — just the basics. It helps if your normal login is broken.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Right after it begins to boot, press F8 repeatedly (before the Windows logo shows).
3. Select Safe Mode from the menu.
4. Try logging in.

This might already let you log in if the problem isn’t too serious.

If this works, create a backup of your stuff or restore your system just to be safe.

🛠️ Fix 2: Use the Registry Editor

Hang on — registry editing sounds scary, but we’ll go slow. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Boot into Safe Mode first.
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
3. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Now go to the following path:

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

Here, you’ll see a bunch of folders starting with S-1-5. These are your user profiles.

Here’s what to do:

• Look for two similar entries. One ends in .bak, the other doesn’t.
• If one has your correct profile info, it may be corrupted.
• Rename them:

1. Right-click the one without .bak and add .ba at the end.
2. Right-click the one with .bak and remove the .bak
3. Rename the one with .ba to .bak

Yes, it’s a bit like musical chairs, but it works!

Now scroll on the right and check two values:

• Double-click State ⇒ set value to 0
• Double-click RefCount ⇒ set value to 0

Close everything and restart your computer. Try logging in. You did it? Great!

🛠️ Fix 3: Create a New Profile

If your profile is toast, we might need to make a fresh one. Don’t worry — you can still rescue your files.

1. Boot into Safe Mode and log in as an Administrator (or use another working account).
2. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
3. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
4. Click Add someone else to this PC.
5. Create a new user with a password.

Now restart and log in with the new user. Success? Great! Time to move your stuff over.

Navigate to your old user folder:

C:\Users\YourOldUsername

Then copy files like:

• Documents
• Pictures
• Downloads
• Desktop

Paste them into your new user folder:

C:\Users\YourNewUsername

Just don’t copy hidden or system files unless you know what you’re doing!

🛠️ Fix 4: System Restore

This one takes your PC back in time — without affecting your files.

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, then press Enter.
3. Choose a restore point — preferably one before the error started.
4. Click Next and follow the steps.

This will reboot your system and hopefully bring back a working profile.

🛠️ Fix 5: Run a Check Disk

If your hard drive has bad sectors, your profile might get corrupted. Let’s fix that:

1. Open a command prompt as Admin (use Safe Mode if you have to).
2. Type this command: chkdsk /f /r and hit Enter.
3. It’ll ask to schedule the check on next restart. Type Y.
4. Restart your PC and let it do its job.

This could take some time, so grab a snack!

🧼 A Bit of Prevention

Now that you’ve fixed it, let’s avoid ever seeing that error again!

• Always shut down your PC properly.
• Keep Windows updated.
• Use good antivirus software, but don’t let it mess with system files.
• Backup your files regularly.
• Consider creating a second admin account — just in case!

Trust us, future-you will be thankful.

💡 Extra Tips

• If you’re on a domain or corporate network, ask your IT team.
• Don’t delete old user folders before saving your stuff!
• This fix works for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 — with slight changes in UI.

🎉 You Did It!

The “User Profile Service Failed the Logon” error can look scary — but it’s not the end. With a few patient steps, you’ve got your PC back on track!

Whether you fixed it using the registry, made a new profile, or went back in time with System Restore — you are now officially a Windows Warrior. 🧙‍♂️💻

Be kind to your system, and it’ll be kind to you.