While creating a user profile is straightforward, what if you need to remove an existing one? Deleting a user profile on Windows 11 doesn’t require any third-party apps or advanced tools like CMD/PowerShell. Here’s how you can remove a user account.
1. Delete User Profile via Settings App
We will use the Windows 11 Settings app to delete a user profile. Here’s what you should do.
1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Click on the Accounts option.
3. Click on the Family & other users.
4. On the Other user’s section, click on the user profile name to expand the section.
5. Once expanded, click Remove.
6. Click the Delete account and data.
2. Deleting a User Profile via Control Panel
We will use the Windows 11 Control Panel to delete a user profile in this method. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Click on the Windows 11 Search and type Control Panel.
2. Click on the User Accounts.
3. Click the Remove user accounts link.
4. Select the account that you want to delete.
5. Click Delete the account.
6. You will be asked whether you want to keep the files saved by the user. Click on the Delete Files button if you don’t want the files.
3. Delete a User Profile via User Accounts Wizard
The User Account profiles tool allows you to delete multiple user profiles at once, making it easier than the previous two methods. However, this option is not available in all Windows 11 builds.
1. Press the Windows Key + R button to open the RUN dialog box. On the RUN dialog box, enter netplwiz and hit the Enter button.
2. Click the Users tab and select the account you want to remove.
3. Click the Remove button.
4. Click on Yes.
4. Delete User Profile from Advanced System Properties
The Advanced System Properties of Windows 11 lets you manage your user profiles. You can also use it to delete a user profile on Windows 11.
1. Click on Windows 11 search and type Advanced System Properties.
2. Select View Advanced System Settings.
3. This will open the System Properties. Switch to Advanced.
4. Click the Settings button under the User Profiles.
5. Select the profile you want to delete and click Delete.
If the Delete option is grayed out, the user account is currently in use and logged in. Switch to a different user account and delete it.
5. Delete User Profile Using the Registry Editor
You can also use the Registry Editor to delete a user profile. The steps to delete a user profile using the Registry are a bit complicated; hence, follow them carefully.
1. Type Registry in the Windows Search. Open the Registry Editor app.
2. When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
3. Expand the ProfileList folder. You will find many subfolders; select the last one.
4. On the right side, find and right-click the ProfileImagePath key directing to the profile name you want to delete. On the context menu, select Delete.
5. On the Delete confirmation prompt, click Yes.
Creating and deleting a user profile in Windows 11 is pretty straightforward. You can rely on any of these four methods to delete existing user profiles in the operating system. If you have any doubts, let us know in the comment box below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Why would I need to delete a user profile in Windows 11?
A: Deleting unused or problematic profiles helps free up disk space and fix login or permission issues. - Q: What are the safest ways to delete a user profile in Windows 11?
A: You can delete profiles via Settings, Control Panel, Registry Editor, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. - Q: Will deleting a user profile remove the user account entirely?
A: No, deleting a profile removes only the personal files and settings. The account itself can remain or be deleted separately. - Q: Do I need admin rights to delete a user profile?
A: Yes, administrative privileges are required to delete other users’ profiles. - Q: Can I recover a deleted user profile in Windows 11?
A: Usually no, unless you have a backup. Make sure to backup important files before deletion.
