Windows’ operating system includes user profiles, which store personal data and settings for each individual. It is important to be able to access them in order for you manage your computer effectively, particularly when troubleshooting and customizing the user experience. This article will walk you through how to access user profiles in Windows 10
What is a Windows User Profile?
Windows 10’s user profile represents the personal environment of an individual within the operating system. Each profile has a set of unique system and application settings. It also contains the user’s files such as documents and images. Windows 10 automatically creates a profile for each user the first time they log on to their computer.
Finding User Profiles
Windows 10’s user profiles can be accessed by following a few easy steps. This guide will help you through the process.
File Explorer
- Step 1. Click the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of your screen. This opens the Start Menu.
- Step 2 : Type in “File Explorer” and hit Enter.
- Step 3 Click on “This PC” in the File Explorer window.
- Step 5: Double-click on the “C” drive, or whatever drive your operating system was installed on.
- Step 5 : Double-click on the “Users folder” This folder contains the computer’s user profiles.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt is another way to access the user profile in Windows 10.
- Step 1. Click the Windows icon at the lower left corner of the screen to open the Start Menu.
- Step 2 : Type in “Command Prompt”, and then press Enter.
- Step 3. Type in the Command Prompt and hit Enter. This command will navigate you to the Users directory, which contains all user profiles.
- Step 4 : Type
dir
to view profiles and press Enter. This command displays a list of all user profiles.
Understanding different types of user profiles
Windows 10 provides three different types of profiles for users: local, roaming, and mandatory. Understanding these profiles will help you better manage them.
Local user profiles
The first time an individual logs on to a computer, a Local User Profile will be created. This profile saves all changes to the desktop or system settings.
Roaming user profiles
The Roaming User profiles are very useful in networks that have many computers. The profiles are stored on a network server and are downloaded every time the user logs on to a computer. When the user logs out, any changes to the profile will be updated on the network.
Mandatory user profiles
Mandatory User profiles are roaming profiles that an administrator has set up. Users who have this profile can’t make permanent changes to the environment. When they log out, all changes are reverted.
Conclusion
Windows 10 user profiles are essential for managing your computer. Understanding what user profiles do and how they work will help you make better decisions and troubleshoot your computer more efficiently. Understanding user profiles, whether you’re an IT professional or a casual computer user, is essential to mastering Windows 10.