Resolving the ‘User Profile Service Failed the Logon’ Error on Windows PCs

Experiencing difficulty logging into your Windows PC? The notorious ‘User Profile Service failed the logon’ error can be a significant obstacle, preventing access to your account. Fear not, for this tutorial is designed to help you overcome this issue and regain control over your Windows system. Stay with us as we update the instructions for the latest version of Windows and offer vital troubleshooting steps, ensuring your guide remains relevant and comprehensive.

Effective Solutions for the User Profile Service Logon Failure on a Windows PC

Encountering a ‘user profile service failed the logon’ error can be frustrating. It often means Windows is unable to load your user profile properly, potentially due to corrupted files or the aftermath of an erratic update process. Other times, interference from malware or unexpected shutdowns during updates, such as power outages, could be the culprit. Let’s explore how to tackle this issue step-by-step.

Resolving the “User Profile Service Failed to Logon” Error

Starting in Safe Mode

To address any login issues on your Windows device, a safe mode boot is crucial. Safe mode initiates Windows with only the essential services and programs active, allowing you to perform troubleshooting without interference from other software or drivers.

Booting from the Login Screen

  • Switch on your PC as usual.
  • At the login screen, press and hold the Shift key, then navigate to Power > Restart.
  • After rebooting, a blue screen will present you with options. Choose ‘Troubleshoot’.
  • Go to ‘Advanced Options’ > ‘Startup Settings’ > ‘Restart’.
  • Upon restarting, select ‘Enable Safe Mode with Networking.’
  • Your PC will proceed to boot in safe mode.

If You Can’t Reach the Login Screen

  • Force shutdown your device by holding the power button.
  • Turn on your device again and, at the sight of the manufacturer’s logo, perform a force shutdown once more.
  • Repeat this cycle twice to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE).
  • Then, follow the prior steps starting from step 3.

Utilizing SFC to Detect and Repair Corrupted Files

The System File Checker (SFC) tool is an integrated Windows utility that scans for and fixes corrupted system files. This is one of the probable solutions for the ‘User Profile Service failed the logon’ error.

  • Ensure you’re in safe mode before proceeding.
  • Search for ‘cmd’ in the Start menu to find the Command Prompt.
  • Type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  • The system will commence scanning and repairing damaged files, which could take around half an hour.
  • Following the scan, reboot and attempt logging in once more.

Restoring the System to a Previous State

System Restore is a feature in Windows that rolls back system changes and can revert your system to a former state. You should activate System Restore in advance and create restore points regularly for this option to be available when needed.

  • Open the ‘Run’ dialogue box with Windows Key + R.
  • Type ‘rstrui.exe’ and press Enter. The System Restore interface will appear.
  • Follow the prompts to pick a restore point pre-dating the error.
  • Review your restore point selection and confirm by clicking ‘Finish.’
  • Windows will revert to the chosen state, hopefully resolving the login issue.

Modifying Registry Settings

This advanced strategy involves editing the registry, where a system restore point should be set beforehand as a safety measure.

  • Access safe mode as described in earlier steps.
  • Press Windows Key + R to launch ‘Run,’ enter ‘regedit’, and hit Enter.
  • Navigate to the following in the Registry Editor: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfile List
  • You’ll find registry entries here; look for two with identical names, one with a .bak extension.
  • Rename the .bak entry to remove the extension, and append .bak to the other entry.
  • Inside the folder with the modified .bak entry, adjust the ‘State’ and ‘RefCount’ values to 0 (zero).
  • Commit the changes and reboot.

Enabling the User Profile Service

If the service itself is disabled, possibly due to interference by a third-party app, re-enable it using these instructions:

  • Boot into safe mode and open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type ‘sc config ProfSvc start= auto’ and ‘sc start ProfSvc’, executing each command with Enter.
  • Restart your device post-execution.

Conclusion

With these methods, the dreadful ‘User Profile Service failed the logon’ error should now be resolved. Remember, these fixes are not just for this particular error, they are essential knowledge for addressing various Windows-related issues.

Closing Thoughts on Fixing the User Profile Service Logon Issue on Windows PCs

We hope you now feel equipped to tackle the ‘User Profile Service failed the logon’ error with confidence. Should you need further assistance, please reach out through our contact form. If this guide was helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with others seeking solutions to similar problems.

James Hogan
James Hogan
James Hogan is a notable content writer recognized for his contributions to Bollyinside, where he excels in crafting informative comparison-based articles on topics like laptops, phones, and software. When he's not writing, James enjoys immersing himself in football matches and exploring the digital realm. His curiosity about the ever-evolving tech landscape drives his continuous quest for knowledge, ensuring his content remains fresh and relevant.

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