How to Remove Temporary Profile Files on Windows

What Causes This?

Windows creates temporary profile files when it can’t load your normal user profile correctly or when apps leave behind cached account data after updates, crashes, or failed sign-ins. These files can also build up in C:\Users\TEMP, C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Temp, or old profile folders after account changes, system restores, or interrupted Windows updates. Over time, they waste storage space and can sometimes cause login or settings issues.

Common Symptoms

• Windows signs you in with a temporary profile
• You see unexpected folders like TEMP or duplicate user profile folders in C:\Users
• Disk space is lower than expected for no obvious reason
• Apps forget settings or recreate temporary files every time you log in
• You get profile-related warnings or errors during sign-in

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check whether you’re signed in with a temporary profile

   • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Open the Advanced tab, then under User Profiles, click Settings.
   • Look for duplicate or temporary-looking profiles. Note any profile paths you don’t recognize.

2. Delete temporary files from your Temp folders

   • Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
   • Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then press Delete.
   • If Windows says some files are in use, click Skip.
   • Repeat this with Windows + R > temp > Enter, then delete what you can there too.

3. Remove old temporary profile folders from C:\Users

   • Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users.
   • Look for folders named TEMP, TEMP.<computername>, or duplicate profile folders like YourName.000 or YourName.001.
   • Make sure these are not your active profile. To confirm, press Windows + R, type %userprofile%, and press Enter to see your current profile folder.
   • If the folder is clearly old or temporary, right-click it and choose Delete.

4. Clean up profile entries in System Properties

   • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Go to Advanced > User Profiles > Settings.
   • Select unused or temporary profiles and click Delete.
   • Do not delete the profile you are currently using.

5. Check the Registry for broken profile references

   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
   • Click each SID folder and check the ProfileImagePath value on the right.
   • If you see entries pointing to deleted temp profiles or duplicate folders, remove only the incorrect entry.
   • Important: Back up the Registry first by clicking File > Export.

6. Restart your PC and verify the cleanup

   • Restart Windows normally.
   • Sign back in and check C:\Users again.
   • Open Settings > System > Storage to confirm you recovered space.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your PC for leftover temporary profile files, broken profile-related junk, and other unnecessary Windows data that safely takes up space. It helps you avoid digging through C:\Users, Temp folders, and Registry entries manually, and makes cleanup much faster.

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