C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

When you update your Windows 10 PC, you may sometimes, encounter an error that states: C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server. Here Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. This error occurs in many Windows versions.

  • If the said location is on this PC, make sure the device or the drive is connected, or the disc is inserted, and then, try again.
  • If the unavailable location is on a network, make sure you are connected to the network and the network connection is stable.
  • If the location still cannot be found, it might have been moved or deleted.

C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

Fix C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server Issue

Sometimes, when your computer crashes,

  • You will see an empty Desktop with no icons displayed on the screen.
  • Moreover, you would not be able to find any applications.
  • In some cases, all the system files and folders get corrupt too.

Consequently, you are unable to access any file or program saved on your Desktop. This issue occurs in all Windows versions like Windows 10, Windows 7/8 or Server 2012/ Server 2016 editions. You can fix it by restoring the path to the original default path or by manually editing the correct path.

Note: It is recommended to create a system restore point and take system backup before editing the path.

How to Create System Restore Point in Windows 10

Creating a System Restore Point in your system will help you to go back to the original version, if something goes wrong during the editing or files get corrupt. Follow the below-mentioned instructions to create System Restore Point in your Windows 10 PC:

1. Press Windows key and type restore point then, hit Enter.

Now, open Create a restore point from the best results. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

2. Now, In the System Protection tab and click on Create… button.

Note: To create a restore point, system Protection for that particular drive should be turned On.

Now, switch to the System Protection tab and click on Create… button. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

3. Type a description to help you identify the restore point and click Create.

Now, type a description to help you identify the restore point. Here, the current date and time are added automatically. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

4. Wait for a few minutes, and a new restore point will be created.

5. Finally, click on Close to exit the window.

This point will restore your computer, including all the files, applications, registry files, and settings whenever needed.

Now, one by one, implement the listed methods to fix C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server error on Windows 10.

Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer

A faulty Windows Explorer process might also contribute to the said error. However, you can simply, fix this issue by restarting Windows Explorer.

1. Launch Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together.

2. In the Processes tab, right-click on Windows Explorer.

3. Click on Restart, as shown.

Click on Restart, as shown. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

Now, the Windows Explorer will be restarted, and all the corrupt files associated with it will be cleared.

Also Read: Windows Explorer has stopped working [SOLVED]

Method 2: Change Desktop Folder Path

Re-establishing the Desktop folder or changing the path can help to fix this error, as follows:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E keys together.

2. Now, click on the View tab and check the box marked Hidden items.

Now, navigate to the View tab and check the box Hidden items

3. Type C:\users\Default\ in the Address bar and hit Enter.

Now, type location in the address bar as shown below and hit Enter. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

4. Now, select and right-click on the Desktop folder and click on Copy.

Now, select and right-click on the Desktop folder and click on Copy. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

5. Next, type C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile in the Address bar and press Enter key.

Note: Click OK in the prompt window to confirm, if needed.

Now, again, type location in the address bar and hit Enter.

6. Here, press Ctrl + V keys together to paste the folder copied in Step 4.

Here, right-click on the empty screen and select the Paste. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

7. Finally, reboot your PC and check if the issue is solved now.

Method 3: Restore Desktop Folder

If your Desktop folder is corrupt or damaged, you might encounter the error: C:\windows\ system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server. In this case, restoring the desktop folder might help you to fix the issue. Here is how to do it:

1. Press Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.

2. Now, double-click on This PC to expand it and right-click on the Desktop folder.

3. Then, select Properties option, as highlighted below.

double-click on This PC to expand it and right-click on the Desktop folder

4. Here, switch to the Location tab and click on Restore Default.

Here, switch to the Location tab and click on Restore Default. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

5. Finally, click on Apply > OK to save the changes and restart your system.

Check if C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server issue is fixed now. If not, try the next fix.

Method 4: Edit Desktop Location in Registry Editor

You can fix this issue by editing the Desktop location through Registry editor, as explained here:

1. Press Windows + R keys together to open Run dialog box.

2. Type regedit and click OK, as shown.

Open the Run dialog box and type regedit.

3. Navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

4. Now, double-click on Desktop, as depicted below.

Navigate to the given path. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

5. Here, ensure that the Value data is set to either of the following values:

%USERPROFILE%\Desktop OR C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Desktop

type any one of the following values. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

6. Finally, click on OK and restart your Windows PC.

Also Read: Fix The Registry editor has stopped working

Method 5: Update/Restore Windows

If the Windows version you are currently using is incompatible with the program files, you may face C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server error. In this case, you can perform a Windows update or restore your Windows to a previous version to fix it.

Method 5A: Update Windows OS

1. Hit Windows + I keys together to open Settings.

2. Here, click on Update & Security.

Here, the Windows Settings screen will pop up, now click on Update and Security. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

3. Next, click on Check for updates.

click Check for Updates.

4A. If your system has Updates available, click on Install now.

Check if there are any updates available, then install and update them.

4B. If your system does not have any pending update, You’re up to date message will appear as shown.

it will show You're up to date. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

5. Restart your system after updating to the new version.

Check if  C:\windows\ system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server issue is resolved. If you still face the error after updating your system, you can try to perform a system restore by following the below-mentioned steps.

Method 5B: Perform System Restore

Note: It is advisable to boot your computer into Safe Mode before proceeding with System Restore.

1. Press Windows + R Keys to open Run dialog box.

2. Then, type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration window.

Type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

3. Now, switch to the Boot tab.

4. Here, check the Safe boot box and click on Apply, then OK, as depicted.

Here, check the Safe boot box under Boot options and click on OK. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

5. Confirm your choice and click on either Restart or Exit without restart.

Note: If you click on Restart, your system will be booted in safe mode.

Confirm your choice and click on either Restart or Exit without restart. Now, your system will be booted in safe mode.

6. Press Windows key and type cmd. Click on Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt as administrator

7. Type rstrui.exe and press the Enter key.

Type rstrui.exe and hit Enter

8. Now, click on Next in the System Restore window, as depicted.

Now, the System Restore window will be popped up on the screen. Here, click on Next

9. Finally, confirm the restore point by clicking on the Finish button.

Finally, confirm the restore point by clicking on the Finish button. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

Now, the system will be restored to the previous state, and this should fix C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is an unavailable server issue.

Method 6: Create New User Account

Alternately, you can try to create a new user account, as explained below:

1. Launch Command Prompt as administrator as you did in the previous method.

Select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt as administrator

2. Here, type control userpasswords2 and hit Enter.

in command prompt, type control userpasswords2 and hit enter

3. User Accounts window will appear. Under Users tab, click on Add… button to add an account.

User Accounts window will open, in the Users tab click on Add button to add an account

4. Choose Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended) option and click on Next.

Choose Sign in without a Microsoft account (not recommended) option

5. Then, click on Local account button.

Select Local account button

6. Enter your login credentials viz User name & Password. Retype password in Confirm password field and leave a Password hint too. Then, click on Next.

Enter your credentials and click on Next.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions. Lastly, click on Finish to create a local account.

8. Now, assign admin rights to the account by selecting the Properties option.

assign the admin rights to the account by selecting the Properties option

9. Under Group Membership tab, choose Administrator option.

10. Click Apply then, OK to save changes.

Select Group Membership tab and choose Administrator option

11. Now, navigate to your old user profile. C: > Users > Old_Account.

Note: Here, C: is the drive where you have installed your Windows version, and Old_Account is your old user account.

12. Press Ctrl + C keys together to copy all the files in the folder except:

  • Ntuser.dat.log
  • Ntuser.ini
  • Ntuser.dat

13. Now, navigate to your new user profile. C: > Users > New_Account.

Note: Here, C: is the drive where you have installed your new Windows version, and New_Account is your new user account.

14. Press Ctrl+V keys together to paste all the files into your new user account.

15. Next, launch Control Panel from the search menu, as shown.

Launch Control Panel using the search menu. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

16. Set View by: option to Large icons and click on User Accounts.

Click on User Accounts.

17. Next, click on Manage Another Account, as shown.

Next, click on Manage Another Accounts, as shown.

18. Select the old user account and click on Delete the account option, as highlighted below.

Select the old user account and click on Delete the account. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

Also Read: How to Enable User Account Control in Windows Systems

Method 7: Run SFC & DISM Scan

Windows 10 users can automatically, scan and repair their system files by running System File Checker & Deployment Image Servicing & Management commands. These are built-in tool on Windows 10 that lets the user scan, repair and delete problematic files.

1. Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges, as instructed in Method 5B.

2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Type the following command into cmd and hit Enter. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

3. Wait for the Verification 100 % completed statement.

4. Now, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter key.

Run DISM checkhealth command

5. Then, execute DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth command to performs a more advanced scan.

Run DISM scanhealth command. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

6. Lastly, type the command given below to repairs issues automatically:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Run DISM restorehealth command. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

7. Once done, restart your Windows 10 PC. Check if C:\windows\ system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server issue is fixed or not.

Method 8: Use Disk Check Feature

To fix corrupt files in your system drives, you can run the disk check command as well.

1. Launch File Explorer by pressing Windows + E keys together.

2. Redirect to This PC and right-click on Local Disk (C:) drive.

3. Select the Properties option, as shown highlighted.

Now, select the Properties option. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

4. Now, switch to the Tools tab and click on Check, as shown below.

Now, switch to the Tools tab and click on Check. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

5. Here, click on Scan drive.

You will receive a prompt now. We haven’t found any errors on this drive. You can still scan the drive for errors if you want

6. Wait for the scanning process to be completed and Your drive was successfully scanned message to appear.

Also Read: 4 Ways to Run Disk Error Checking in Windows 10

Method 9: Uninstall Recent Updates

Try to uninstall the latest Windows updates from Advanced Startup options and check if the issue is resolved.

1. Press Windows key and click on the Power icon.

2. Now, click on Restart while holding the Shift key.

Now, select the Power icon and click on Restart while holding the Shift key | C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed

3. Here, click on Troubleshoot, as shown.

Here, click on Troubleshoot. C:\ windows\ system32\ config\ systemprofile\ Desktop is unavailable server

4. Now, click on Advanced options followed by Uninstall Updates.

Now, click on Advanced options followed by Uninstall Updates.

5A. Now, select Uninstall latest quality update, if you have started facing the issue after a regular monthly update.

5B. Select the Uninstall latest feature update option, if you have encountered this problem after updating Windows to the latest version.

Note: If you are not aware of which uninstall option to select, proceed with Uninstall latest quality update option first and then, choose Uninstall latest feature update option.

Now, select the Uninstall latest quality update option if you face the issue after a regular monthly update. After updating Windows to the latest build, select the Uninstall latest feature update option if you face the problem. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

6. Sign in using your credentials.

7. Next, confirm the selection on the next screen as well.

8. Finally, click on Done > Continue to exit from Windows Recovery Environment.

Method 10: Reset Windows PC

If none of the methods have helped you solve C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server issue, then perform a clean installation. This will let you choose to keep your files or remove them and then, reinstall Windows on your PC. Here’s how you can do so:

1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security as mentioned in Method 5.

2. Now, select the Recovery option from the left pane and click on Get started in the right pane.

Now, select the Recovery option from the left pane and click on Get started in the right pane.

3. Now, choose an option from the Reset this PC window:

Keep my files: This option will remove apps and settings but keeps your personal files.

OR, Remove everything: It will remove all your personal files, apps, and settings.

Now, choose an option from the Reset this PC window. C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable server

 4. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

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We hope that this guide was helpful and you could fix C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable Server issue in Windows 10. Let us know which method worked for you the best. Also, if you have any queries or suggestions, then feel free to drop them in the comments section.

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