If you want to remove a user profile from your Windows 11 PC, this guide will show you simple steps to do it safely.

What is a User Profile?

When someone signs into a Windows 11 account for the first time, Windows creates a “user profile.” This is like a special folder that stores that person’s desktop settings, documents, pictures, and other personal files.

All user profiles are saved in the C:Users folder. For example, if the username is John, their profile is in C:UsersJohn.

Note: Deleting the user profile folder does not delete the user account itself. When the user signs in again, Windows will create a new profile folder with fresh default settings.

Before You Start

• The user whose profile you want to delete must sign out first. You cannot delete a profile if that user is currently signed in.
• Make sure you are signed in with an admin account so you have permission to delete profiles.

Steps to Delete a User Profile in Windows 11

1. Sign out the user: Ask the user to sign out or switch to another admin account if you are managing the PC.
   
2. Open Advanced System Settings:
   
   
   
   • Click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
   
   
   • Go to System > About.
   
   
   • On the right side, click Advanced system settings.
   
   

   
   

   Find Advanced system settings in Windows 11

3. Open User Profiles Settings:
   
   
   
   • In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
   
   
   • Under User Profiles, click the Settings button.
   
   

   
   

   

4. Select and Delete the Profile:
   
   
   
   • From the list, click the user profile you want to remove.
   
   
   • Click the Delete button.
   
   
   • When asked to confirm, click Yes.
   
   

   
   

   

5. Finish Up: Click OK to close all windows. The selected user profile is now deleted.
   

What Happens Next?

The next time the user signs into their account, Windows will create a brand new profile folder with default settings and folders.

Quick Summary

• You can delete a user profile folder without deleting the user’s account.
• The user must be signed out before you delete their profile.
• Use Advanced System Settings to find and delete profiles safely.
• Confirm the deletion when prompted.
• A new profile folder is made when the user signs in again.

If you want to learn more about user profiles in Windows 11, check out this helpful guide:
How to Find a User Profile in Windows 11.