I came here to ask for help with the exact same issue. After trying to update to version 1803 & getting the same error message, I saw there was no Desktop folder in systemprofile, just an AppData folder. I googled the error message, & attempted the fix laid out here: https://forums.techguy.org/threads/solved-c-windows-system32-config-systemprofile-desktop.808717/ Copying the Desktop folder across did nothing but create a standard folder, & then after attempting to update windows again I got the same issue & error message. Apparently you are supposed to get a prompt when copying the Desktop file, & I assume the newly created Desktop folder will have a 'screen' icon (like in your users folder) instead of a standard 'new folder' icon. Needless to say, I recieved no prompt, so maybe im missing something. I ran the windows update diagnostic tool, & it found corrupted windows update files, I ran the repair tool, & both issues came up green ticked as fixed. Restarted my computer & attempted the update again.. Same issue, error message, black desktop, no icons, no network, cant access any of my files. Once again I had to revert back to my previous version of windows. Pretty exasperated, I assumed there was an inherent file corruption problem & decided to reset the PC & reinstall windows (this was about 3am last night) I've only had the PC four months & no personal stuff would be lost anyways. After clean windows install, while im downloading the updates (as I type this) to version 1803 I decide to check out systemprofile & see if that Desktop file is there on a clean install.. ..Its not. How could a folder that is supposed to be there in order for windows to update NOT be there on a clean install of windows..?! I now know that after this update has installed I am going to get the exact same error message saying that it couldnt locate the Desktop file. I'm at my wits end with this, & my apologies to OP for the wall of text without helping the issue. I really hope someone can help with this because i've exhausted all my options at this point. Answer from FaultyDroid on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/techsupport › "c\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable" error after failed update.
r/techsupport on Reddit: "C\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable" error after failed update.
June 5, 2018 -

Yesterday my PC started updates to windows 10, but froze up at 98% and stood there for about 2 hours before I turned the machine off. After turning it back on and logging in to my account, my desktop was black and missing all icons except recycle bin, and I was greeted with the error message below:

C\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network, and then try again. If it still cannot be located, the information might have been moved to a different location.

I've googled around looking for tips, and I see several posts sugggesting different actions (inclusing from here on /techsupport), but my problem is I my desktop is completely unresponsive. I can't open a search field, I can't open start menu. I have no idea where to even start troubleshooting. I'm also fairly clueless when it comes to computers, so that doesn't help either. I can't include my system specs because I can't remember them and can't access the information atm, but it's an ASUS desktop PC, about 5 years old.

Hopefully this is enough information. I'm open for suggestions. Any tips are appreciated!

Update for anyone seeing this later: I had to reinstall windows, but it was much simpler than I expected. Even on the black empty desktop I could ALT+CTRL+DEL and access task manager. From there I held SHIFT while I restarted windows, and got the option of reinstalling while keeping my files. Took maybe 40 minutes in all.

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I came here to ask for help with the exact same issue. After trying to update to version 1803 & getting the same error message, I saw there was no Desktop folder in systemprofile, just an AppData folder. I googled the error message, & attempted the fix laid out here: https://forums.techguy.org/threads/solved-c-windows-system32-config-systemprofile-desktop.808717/ Copying the Desktop folder across did nothing but create a standard folder, & then after attempting to update windows again I got the same issue & error message. Apparently you are supposed to get a prompt when copying the Desktop file, & I assume the newly created Desktop folder will have a 'screen' icon (like in your users folder) instead of a standard 'new folder' icon. Needless to say, I recieved no prompt, so maybe im missing something. I ran the windows update diagnostic tool, & it found corrupted windows update files, I ran the repair tool, & both issues came up green ticked as fixed. Restarted my computer & attempted the update again.. Same issue, error message, black desktop, no icons, no network, cant access any of my files. Once again I had to revert back to my previous version of windows. Pretty exasperated, I assumed there was an inherent file corruption problem & decided to reset the PC & reinstall windows (this was about 3am last night) I've only had the PC four months & no personal stuff would be lost anyways. After clean windows install, while im downloading the updates (as I type this) to version 1803 I decide to check out systemprofile & see if that Desktop file is there on a clean install.. ..Its not. How could a folder that is supposed to be there in order for windows to update NOT be there on a clean install of windows..?! I now know that after this update has installed I am going to get the exact same error message saying that it couldnt locate the Desktop file. I'm at my wits end with this, & my apologies to OP for the wall of text without helping the issue. I really hope someone can help with this because i've exhausted all my options at this point.
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I'm having a very similar problem. When I boot to my computer it takes me to a debugging screen If I click on use another operating system it gives the options windows rollback, windows 10, and an identical windows 10 option. If I click on either of them it does some more updates then restarts and I get the same problem as OP If I power down the computer then turn it back on it goes back to the first screen.
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Driver Easy
drivereasy.com › home › knowledge base › common errors › [solved] the c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop is unavailable error in windows 10/11
[Solved] The C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable Error in Windows 10/11 - Driver Easy
September 29, 2025 - The “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” error might happen when your Desktop folder is corrupted. In this case, restoring the folder can fix your issue.
Discussions
c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable
Find answers to c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable from the expert community at Experts Exchange More on experts-exchange.com
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December 30, 2015
C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable.
"C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the… More on learn.microsoft.com
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April 22, 2018
Error: "C:\Windows\System32\Config\Systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable" after installing windows update
Original title: missing file everytime I boot my PC i lose this one file. It started after a microsoft update on sept 21. I restored it to just before the update and it was ok, then it auto updated again and i had to once again restore it. I then turned… More on learn.microsoft.com
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September 25, 2010
C:\Windows\system32\config\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable
Hi I have windows 7 and when i login, i get a message saying "C:\Windows\system32\config\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable" The desktop is empty(except for recycling bin), black screen and I can't change the background or put any… More on learn.microsoft.com
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 3717678 › c-windows-system32-config-desktop-is-unavailable
C:/windows/system32/config/desktop is unavailable - Microsoft Q&A
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Hi and thanks for reaching out. My name is William. I'm a Windows technical expert. I'll be happy to help you out today.

You can try to fix by created the required path in C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\desktop. You will need to be an administrator. Just use file explorer to navigate as far as you can into the path and create the required subfolder until you have the entire path and restart.

Note, the path is C:\Windows\System32, not C:\Windows\system as you eluded to in your post.

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You can press Windows key + R to open Run box and type explorer to open file explorer.

If that does not work, you can try to do it from Safe Mode. There are several way to start safe mode, see here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12376/...

Finally, if none of those work, start Windows in Recovery Mode go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt and use the make directory command to create the missing folder. From here, you would perform the following commands (press Enter after each line):

Change to system drive:

C:
mkdir Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop

Restart when done, restart.

Here is more graphical guide: https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-system32-co...

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EaseUS
easeus.com › computer instruction › how to fix desktop refers to a location that is unavailable error
Look! How to Fix Desktop Refers to A Location That Is Unavailable Error - EaseUS
December 12, 2025 - To solve C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable you must reset the path that your computer defaults to on startup. This can be done by moving your desktop to C:\windows\system32\config\syst...
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MiniTool
minitool.com › home › backup tips › fixed – system32configsystemprofiledesktop is unavailable
Best Fixes: system32configsystemprofileDesktop Is Unavailable
November 28, 2024 - “While I opened my Windows 10 PC, I saw an error ‘C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable’. Finally, I fixed this issue after trying some solutions.”Click to tweet · After trying the methods above, you should have got rid of the “desktop refers to a location that is unavailable” error or the issue – systemprofile desktop is unavailable from Windows 10/8/7.
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Super User
superuser.com › questions › 615249 › system32-missing-completely-bare-desktop
windows 7 - system32 missing, Completely bare desktop - Super User
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Right. So by the recommendation of my local IT guy, I found out it was a corrupted account, and did the following:

  1. Created two new accounts. One of them, I was going to eventually migrate into.
  2. Log into the account that I'm NOT going to migrate into.
  3. Go to Folder options to see all hidden files and OS files.
  4. Copy stuff over from the old account to the new account EXCEPT the ntuser*** stuff.
  5. Log on to the other account. Do stuff.

Apparently, that was the easiest way of doing stuff with the stuff I had on the spot.

If I was doing this proper, I should have had reinstalled the whole thing, but I really wasn't in the position to do that, as I needed the lappy in a hurry.

Hope this helps someone!

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I faced the same issue. Nothing to worry. Just boot into safe mode(in case of win 8/8.1 press and hold shift and perform a restart. You will be booted into advanced menu select troubleshoot in submenu select adavced start option and select restart after restart press 5, you will be booted into safemode) there your computer will back to previous good config and perform normal restart. Everything works fine thereafter.

Above process helped me. Hope it will also help for u guys.

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Bobcares
bobcares.com › blog › the-cwindowssystem32configsystemprofiledesktop-is-unavailable-error
The “C:\Windows\System32\Config\Systemprofile\Desktop Is Unavailable Error" | Fix It In 9 Ways
November 13, 2023 - The “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable” appears after a Windows update and happens when the “Desktop” folder is removed from the “systemprofile” folder for any reason, such as corrupted system files.
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Super User
superuser.com › questions › 181711 › c-windows-system32-config-systemprofile-desktop-unavaliable
boot - c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop unavaliable - Super User
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The web is full of suggestions how to deal with this problem, ranging from editing files, restoring to a previous restore point, repair with installation disk to a full reformat.

Before you do anything complicated, try a simple reboot. That fixed it for me.

Find elsewhere
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Experts Exchange
experts-exchange.com › questions › 28907123 › c-windows-system32-config-systemprofile-desktop-refers-to-a-location-that-is-unavailable.html
Solved: c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable | Experts Exchange
December 30, 2015 - It sounds like the environment variables on the system are messed up. Launching cmd and regedit should work... What happens if you go to C:\Windows\System32\regedt
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AnyRecover
anyrecover.com › home › hard drive recovery › how to fix desktop refers to a location that is unavailable error
Fix Desktop Refers to A Location That is Unavailable Error
November 22, 2023 - Step 6. Drag the desktop folder from the first open window and drop it into the systemprofile folder. Step 7. Restart your computer to see if you have regained access to your desktop. If solution #1 doesn’t solve "C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable" error, you can move on and try solution #2.
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 2848255 › c-windowssystem32configsystemprofiledesktop-refers
C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. - Microsoft Q&A
April 22, 2018 - It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network, then try again.
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WinTips.org
wintips.org › home › fix: desktop is unavailable in windows 10. (solved)
FIX: Desktop is unavailable in Windows 10. (Solved) - WinTips.org
November 15, 2021 - If the location is on this PC, make sure the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted, and then try again. If the location is on a network, make sure you’re connected to the network or Internet, and then try again.
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Appuals
appuals.com › home › microsoft windows › windows troubleshooting
How to Fix "system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop" Error
April 24, 2024 - Proceed to delete the folder named ‘Desktop.’ If an ‘Access Denied’ error appears, you must first take ownership of the ‘systemprofile’ folder. You can do this by following ‘Solution 5’ provided in our guide, accessible via this link. Afterward, you should be able to delete the folder successfully. Hold the Windows key and press ‘E’. Then, open the ‘C:’ drive.
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › computer › b9xql-getting-message.html
Fixing 'C:\Windows\System32\Config\SystemProfile\Desktop is Unavailable' Error - Expert Solutions
The 'Desktop is unavailable' error usually indicates a corrupted user profile or missing system files. To fix, boot into Safe Mode and create a new user account. Use System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to repair corrupted files.
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 2420740 › error-c-windowssystem32configsystemprofiledesktop
Error: "C:\Windows\System32\Config\Systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable" after installing windows update - Microsoft Q&A
September 25, 2010 - b. Open C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile and delete the Desktop folder if exists. c. Open C:\Users<Your_folder> and copy Desktop folder and paste at location C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile
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TechCult
techcult.com › home › windows › c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop is unavailable: fixed
C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is Unavailable: Fixed – TechCult
December 12, 2022 - Fix C:windowssystem32configsystemprofileDesktop is unavailable server: Change Desktop Folder Path, Restore Desktop Folder, Run SFC/DISM
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 2606768 › c-windowssystem32configdesktop-refers-to-a-locatio
C:\Windows\system32\config\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable - Microsoft Q&A
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Hello Matt,

Welcome to Microsoft community where you will get best solutions for Windows related issues.

I understand that you receive error when you boot the computer. I would definitely help you in fixing this issue.

Perform the following troubleshooting methods to fix this issue.

Method 1:

Follow these steps:

a.       Open "C:\users[your user account]" folder.

b.      If you see two Desktop folders, one blank and the other with your Desktop items.

c.       You need to delete the blank one.

d.      Copy the desktop folder with your desktop items from “C:\Users[your user account]\” folder to “C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\”

e.      Restart the computer.

Method 2:

If that doesn’t work, then I would suggest you to perform System Restore to the previous point when it was working fine.

Refer to the link “System Restore Win 7” to perform System Restore.

I hope this helps you to fix the issue. If the issue persists or you have any other issues with Windows, please post it in Microsoft Community. We would be happy to help you further.

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AskWoody
askwoody.com › 2018 › have-you-seen-this-win10-1803-error-c-systemprofiledesktop-is-not-available-and-an-empty-desktop
Have you seen this? Win10 1803 error: “C:\…\systemprofile\Desktop is not available” and an empty desktop @ AskWoody
May 21, 2018 - C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network, and then try again.
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Server Fault
serverfault.com › questions › 851950 › c-windows-system32-config-systemprofile-desktop-is-unavailable
failovercluster - C:\Windows\System32\Config\systemprofile\desktop is unavailable - Server Fault
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In order to restore the default path try to do following before clicking the 'Finish' button:

  • Click the Start button.
  • Click Computer.
  • Navigate to D:\Users\
  • Open the folder with your username.
  • Right click on the Desktop folder and click Properties.
  • Click the ‘Location’ tab and click the ‘Restore Default’ button.

If you are unable to do that:

  • Click the Start button.
  • Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell\Folders
  • On the right, double click the Desktop key.
  • Make sure the Desktop value is set to: “%USERPROFILE%\Desktop” or “D:\Users\%USERNAME%\Desktop”
  • Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
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Tech Support Forum
techsupportforum.com › home › forums › microsoft support › windows servers
SVR 2012R2 Location not available | Tech Support Forum
July 12, 2019 - It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network, and then try again.