The “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” appears after a Windows update and happens when the “Desktop” folder is removed from the “systemprofile” folder for any reason, such as corrupted system files. Bobcares, as a part of our Windows Hosting Support offers solutions to every query that comes our way.

Table of Contents

1. More About the “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” Error
2. Fixing the Error
   • Method 1
   • Method 2
   • Method 3
   • Method 4
   • Method 5
   • Method 6
   • Method 7
   • Method 8
   • Method 9
3. Conclusion

More About the “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” Error

An error message such as “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” may appear when a Windows user boots up and discovers that nothing is on the screen, including files or applications. This problem generally arises after a Windows update and happens when the “Desktop” folder is no longer in the “systemprofile” folder for any reason, such as corrupted system files.

This error is a common issue encountered on Windows systems, signalling potential complications with the system profile. This error arises from various factors such as corrupted user profiles, missing Desktop folders, recent system modifications, file system irregularities, or corrupted system files. Resolving this error necessitates a systematic approach, including actions like creating new user profiles, verifying the existence of essential folders, reverting recent changes, and conducting system checks for disk and file integrity. This introduction provides a glimpse into the challenges posed by the error and sets the stage for exploring the troubleshooting steps to address and rectify this issue.

If the location is on this computer, we must check that the disk is attached correctly. If the location is on a network, make sure we are linked to the network or the Internet. That might be removed if the location is not discovered. The system files have likely been corrupted if systemprofile desktop is not available. The issue typically occurs following a Windows update or an unexpected system crash. Consequently, the desktop cannot load and the default desktop profile cannot be located in the designated place.

Fortunately, by using the techniques listed below, we can resolve inaccessible desktop locations.

Fixing the Error

Method 1

In this method, we’ll restore the Desktop default path manually from the Desktop properties. The steps are as follows:

1. To start Windows Explorer, first press the “Window+E” key. Click “This PC” after that. The primary component and directories will then show up in Windows Explorer after doing this. To view the Desktop properties, right-click on “Desktop” and select “Properties”.

2. Now select the “Restore Default” option under Location in order to restore to the default path.

Method 2

We can use the “Window + E” key to open Windows Explorer once more. Then, copy and paste the Desktop folder from the “C: Users\Default” directory into the “systemprofile” directory to fix the “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” error. The steps are as follows:

1. Initially select the “View” drop-down menu. Next, select “Show” and check the “Hidden Items” option from the context menu that appears.

2. The hidden folders will show up on the screen after we’ve done that. From Windows Explorer, navigate to the “C:Users” directory and select the “Default” folder.

3. Next, pick the “Desktop” folder and copy the chosen directory by pressing the “CTRL+C” key.

4. Next, use the keyboard shortcut “CTRL+V” to navigate to the path “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile” and paste the “Desktop” folder there.

5. Restart the window after that to see if the problem has been resolved.

Method 3

The error may also occur when the Desktop location may be corrupted or missing from the registry. In such a case, follow the below steps:

1. Use the Start menu to open the Registry Editor application.

2. Next, open the “Desktop” registry by navigating to the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > User Shell Folders” path.

3. Verify the location of the desktop. It needs to be in the location “%USERNAME%\Desktop”. If the value is incorrect, adjust it as indicated below, then click “OK”.

4. After that, restart the device to see if the problem has been resolved.

Method 4

When there is a damaged system file, we can run the SFC scan:

1. Open the Start menu and use admin rights to launch the Command Prompt Windows terminal:

2. Run the SFC scan using the above command to identify and fix the problematic system file after that:

sfc /scannow

Method 5

1. The Windows Desktop unavailable error may occur when Windows is not updated correctly, or if a Windows update is pending or incomplete. Go to the Start menu’s “Check for updates” System setting to resolve the error:

2. Click “Check for updates” to see if there are any Windows updates available. Install any pending updates to address the error if it exists:

Method 6

A rollback of Windows 10 may be useful, according to some users, in fixing the issue where the system profile desktop is unavailable. This remedy can be used if an update causes the desktop to disappear.

1. To access Windows Settings, press Win + I.

2. Navigate to Update & Security > Repair.

3. Click Get Started in the section labelled “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10.”

4. Proceed with the rollback process by following the wizard on the screen.

Method 7

Running a Windows repair is also a good option in order to find any possible system file errors.

Method 8

We can also create a new account and copy the old data to the new account in order to fix the error:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run window.

2. To launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges, type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

3. Type control userpasswords2 into the CMD window and hit Enter.

4. Select the Add button from the pop-up window. As an alternative, we can create a new user profile by selecting New User from the context menu when we right-click Users after selecting the Advanced tab and Advanced button.

5. From the new window, select Sign in without a Microsoft account.

6. Select Local account.

7. Enter the password, user name, and hint.

8. Select “Finish.”

9. Click Properties and assign the new account admin rights.

10. Select Administrator under Group Membership, then save the modification.

11. After restarting the computer, sign in using the new account.

Method 9

When the error occurs because of a Windows update, then we must try restoring the system to an earlier point. The steps are as follows;

1. Type “control panel” into the keyboard after pressing the Windows logo key, and then choose it from the list.

2. Click View by and choose Category.

3. Select Security and System.

4. Select Security and Maintenance.

5. Click Recovery.

6. Select Open System Restore.

7. Select Next.

8. After selecting the preferred restore point, click Next.

9. Select “Finish.”

Hold off until the procedure is finished.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the error “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” hints that there may be a problem with the Windows system profile. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including corrupted user profiles, missing Desktop folders, unexpected system modifications, corrupted file systems, or damaged system files. In order to fix this error, troubleshooting techniques include making a new user profile, confirming that the Desktop folder exists, undoing recent modifications, performing disk checks, and using the System File Checker tool.