The specified user does not have a valid profile error [Fix]
- Windows offers different type of user roles and permisions. In addition, each user has a certain profile associated with it to save various user preferences and settings.
- Most times this error can be fixed by giving the WindowsApps folder the right permissions or by simply quiting the app entirely and trying again.
- A strange error indeed but there are many others that we've written about in the Microsoft store hub. Check it out.
- If Windows sends you other error messages, visit our Windows 10 errors hub for articles on many different subjects.
The specified user does not have a valid profile error is one of the commonly reported errors across the Windows platform. If you have encountered the same error recently, here are a few quick fixes that will help you resolve the issue.
How can I fix The specified user does not have a valid profile?
- Remove third-party apps
- Restart your PC
- Quit the App
- Change Windows Store App Location
- Disable startup apps
1. Remove third-party apps
Several users have reported some third-party apps as the cause for The specified user does not have a valid profile error. Users reported the following applications as the potential cause for this error:
- CloudPaging Player
- Creo Trial (3D CAD software)
To remove these applications, it’s advised to use uninstaller software such as Revo Uninstaller. Once you remove them, check if the issue is still there.
Run Revo Uninstaller
When it comes to removing a stubborn software that simply won’t be deleted, Revo Uninstaller is unparallelled.
This powerful removal tool takes care of the uninstall process end-to-end, making sure to eliminate all clinging remnants that might cause issues later on. No leftovers are left behind once Revo has completed its extended post-uninstall scanning process.
Moreover, your PC will also benefit from a well-deserved clean-up thanks to Revo Uninstaller’s additional cleaning tools.
If you think that such excellent capacities come with a hefty price tag, you’re in for a big surprise. As a matter of fact, you get to test the tool’s features as extensively as you like and completely free for 60 days.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Extended scanning for software leftovers following a standard uninstall
- Integrated Browsers Extensions Manager
- Forced Uninstall and Quick/Multiple Uninstall features available
- Additional clean-up utilities included
- Real-time system monitoring
- Lightweight portable version available that does not require installation
Revo Uninstaller
Uninstall, remove software leftovers, and sanitize your system with a powerful all-in-one tool!2. Restart your PC
One of the commonly recommended fixes for The specified user does not have a valid profile is to restart your PC. While this is not a reliable fix, rebooting might be just enough to fix this problem.
A lot of users have reported a quick restart to have fixed the problem without doing anything else.
3. Quit the App
- Open Task Manager. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Under the Process tab, find the application that is giving you this error.
- Select the process, and click on End Task.
- Now go the Services tab. Look for any services related to the problematic application. Right-click on the service and select Stop.
- Close the Task Manager window and restart your computer.
If you get The specified user does not have a valid profile while trying to start a program, you might be able to fix the issue by disabling the application from the Task Manager.
4. Change Microsoft Store App Location
Windows Store apps are by default stored in /WindowsApps folder. If you see the error The specified users does not have a valid profile while launching a Microsoft Store app, the folder may not have the required permission to run the app.
A workaround for this problem is to move the files of the app to a different folder in the hard drive. Begin with accessing the WindowsApp folder.
Note: You may need administrative permission to access this folder:
C:Program\Files\Windows\Apps
If you don’t have required permission to provide admin access, you need to add your username in the security tab, which is by default to set to Trusted Installer in the Permission tab. Here is how to do it.
- Go to C: Program Files
- Right-click on the Windows Apps folder and select Properties.
- Open the Security tab and click on the Advanced button.
- In the next dialogue box, click on Change beside the Owner section.
- Type your username and click on Check names. If found, click on OK.
- Click on Apply and then on OK button save the changes. Close all the security and properties window.
- Open File Explorer and go to C:
Program\Files\Windows\Apps. - Look for the Windows Store folder. Right-click on the folder, select Cut and paste it in some other folder such as Documents or any other folder in the C: drive preferably.
- After the file is moved, open the moved folder and click the .exe file to run the program.
- If it was a permission related error, the program should run without any error.
5. Disable startup apps
Microsoft Windows loads some apps automatically during the startup, however, these applications can lead to The specified user does not have a valid profile error. To disable startup applications, do the following:
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab, select all the apps that have Enabled as the status, and click on Disable.
Now restart your PC. Bear in mind that certain applications aren’t available on this list, so you’ll have to manually disable them.
The specified user does not have a valid profile error can be problematic, but you should be able to fix the problem by following one of these solutions.
Do let us know if you have a new solution that is not listed in this article in the comments below.
FAQ: Learn more about user profiles
- What is a Windows user profile?
A user profile is a set of unique, specific settings. Whenever the user logs on the PC, settings such as display resolution or desktop background will be applied. Check out our thorough guide for more details.
- How do I view profiles in Windows 10?
Open Start-> Computer Management and search for Local Users and Groups -> Users. If a specific user profile is not accessible, here’s how to deal with it quickly and easily.
- How many types of user profiles are there?
There are three different types: mandatory, roaming, and local user profiles. If your local user account is missing, take a closer look at this step-by-step guide.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in July 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.