How to List User Profiles and Accounts in Windows 11
User profiles in Windows 11 are individual digital spaces that store personal files, app settings, and desktop layouts for everyone who shares the same computer. Finding these profiles takes more than checking the standard settings menu because Windows hides the actual folder setup.
Every account has its own folder stored inside 📁C:\
View profile folders in File Explorer by navigating to C:Users and enabling hidden items. Use the Command Prompt with `net user` or `wmic useraccount get name,SID` for a technical list. The Registry Editor at 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList also links accounts to their paths.
Step 1View Profile Folders in File Explorer
To view all profile folders currently on the computer, open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users
Note that certain directories remain hidden by default. Click the View menu in File Explorer , select Show, and check Hidden items to reveal them.
Step 2Using the Command Line to List Accounts
Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin). Run net user to pull up every local account name on the machine.
Open the Windows Terminal with administrator privileges. To list all local user accounts, type the following command and press Enter:
net user
This command reveals a list of account names. To retrieve deeper details, including the Security Identifier (SID)—a unique number identifying each account—use this command:
wmic useraccount get name,SID
Step 3Matching Profiles via Registry Editor
Windows maps every account to its folder using the registry, a central database that stores core system settings. To find this connection, check a specific location within the Registry Editor. After opening regedit, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList and look through the S-1-5 folders for the ProfileImagePath value.
1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
3. Click through the folders starting with S-1-5 to examine the ProfileImagePath value.
Step 4Using Advanced Management Tools
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions include a built-in utility called Local Users and Groups for deeper account management. Press Win + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and press Enter. This utility provides a visual interface to manage accounts, disable users, or reset passwords without touching the command line.
Summary
Managing user profiles remains vital for system health. Using the command line, Registry Editor, or Local Users and Groups tool maps user accounts to their folders accurately. This practice clarifies data storage locations and maintains a clean Windows 11 environment.
Why are some user profiles hidden in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows hides certain profiles, such as the Default or Public accounts, to prevent users from accidentally deleting critical system files. These directories are essential for the operating system to function correctly. Enable the 'Hidden items' option in the File Explorer View menu settings to view them.
What is the difference between a local user and a Microsoft account profile?
A local user account operates exclusively on a single PC, keeping settings and files bound to that hardware. A Microsoft account uses an email address for sign-in and syncs settings and files across multiple devices.
Warning: Never manually rename or delete folders inside C:\Users. Doing so corrupts the user profile and triggers a temporary profile upon login, resulting in potential data loss. Always rely on the official Settings app to delete user accounts.
Can I see when a user profile was last accessed?
Determining when a user profile was last accessed involves checking the 'Date modified' timestamp on the NTUSER.DAT file located inside that user's directory.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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