🧹 Completely Remove a User in Windows (C:\Users + Regedit)

Want to delete a user account in Windows and make sure nothing is left behind? Here’s how to safely remove both the user folder and registry traces.

🗂️ 1. Rename the User Folder to .old

  • Go to C:\Users
  • Find the folder with the username you want to delete
  • Right-click and rename it to username.old

📌 Why Rename to .old?

Renaming the folder prevents Windows from treating it as an active profile. It also:
  • Prevents conflicts when creating a new user with the same name
  • Breaks the link from the registry’s ProfileImagePath
  • Keeps data safe as a backup (in case you need it later)

🧠 2. Delete the User from the Registry

  • Press Win + R, type regedit and press Enter
  • Navigate to: 
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
  • Browse through the subfolders and check each ProfileImagePath
  • Find the one pointing to C:\Users\username and delete that entire key

✅ Final Step

Now the user is completely removed from your system. You’re free to create a new profile with the same name if needed.

🔐 Safety Tip

Always back up the registry before making changes. Deleting the wrong entry can cause system issues.