The “User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In” error is a common issue faced by Windows users, preventing them from accessing their user profiles.
This article provides a detailed explanation of this error, including its causes, step-by-step solutions, and troubleshooting methods to help you resolve the issue and regain access to your user profile.
What is User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In Error
When attempting to log in to your Windows account, you may encounter an error message stating “User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In.”
This error prevents you from accessing your profile and may display additional information such as “The User Profile Service service failed the sign-in. User profile cannot be loaded.”
Causes of User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In
Corrupted User Profile: A primary cause of this error is a corrupted user profile. This can occur due to system glitches, power failures, or improper shutdowns.
Registry Issues: Incorrect registry entries associated with user profiles can lead to the error. If these entries become corrupted or contain incorrect data, the user profile fails to load correctly.
Insufficient Disk Space: Inadequate disk space on the system drive can cause problems while loading user profiles, resulting in the “User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In” error.
Solutions to Fix User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In
Follow these solutions to fix the error:
Solution 1: Restart Your Computer
Step 1: Begin by restarting your computer. Often, this simple step can resolve temporary glitches and restore normal functionality.
Solution 2: Boot into Safe Mode
If the error persists, try booting your system into Safe Mode. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Restart your computer and continuously press the F8 key before Windows starts.
Step 2: Select “Safe Mode” from the Advanced Boot Options menu using the arrow keys.
Step 3: Press Enter and allow your system to boot into Safe Mode.
Step 4: Once in Safe Mode, proceed with the troubleshooting steps.
Solution 3: Create a New User Account
To bypass the corrupted user profile, create a new user account and transfer your data to it. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Log in to your computer with an administrator account.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel and navigate to “User Accounts” or “User Accounts and Family Safety.”
Step 3: Select “Add or remove user accounts” or “Manage another account.”
Step 4: Choose “Create a new account” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Transfer your files and settings from the old account to the new one.
Solution 4: Fix Registry Entries
Use the Windows Registry Editor to fix incorrect registry entries. However, exercise caution as modifying the registry can have unintended consequences. It’s essential to create a backup of the registry before making any changes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
Step 4: Look for the subkeys with the “ProfileImagePath” value containing the profile path of the affected user. e. Rename the subkey by adding “.bak” to the end of the name.
Step 5: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Solution 5: Free Up Disk Space
To ensure sufficient disk space, delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused applications, and utilize disk cleanup tools. Eliminating disk space constraints can often resolve the error.
Conclusion
Encountering the “User Profile Service Failed the Sign-In” error can be frustrating, but armed with the knowledge of its causes, step-by-step solutions, and troubleshooting methods, you can overcome it.
Follow the provided guidelines carefully and approach any changes to your system cautiously, especially when modifying critical components like the registry.
By implementing these solutions and troubleshooting methods, you can successfully resolve the error and regain access to your user profile.
