FIX: Desktop Is Unavailable In Windows 10

Updating Windows 10 to a new version often results in the “Windows 10 Desktop is Unavailable Error“. As a result of this error, Windows denied your access to use the desktop. The main reason for this issue is an unsuccessful update on your Windows 10. The other reason could be that Windows 10 updating is still in the process and you are unable to use the desktop amid update processing. The text below is how the “Desktop is Unavailable in Windows 10” error appears on your screen:

Error: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable. If the location is on this PC, make sure the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted, and then try again. Also, If the location is on a network, make sure you’re connected to the network or Internet, and then try again. If the location still can't be found, it might have been moved or deleted.

Today, here we will talk about 6 easy steps to help you fix this issue of Windows 10. Before following any step here, make sure that your updates are completely installed and not in process. Also, try restarting your PC 2-3 times after the update, it may also fix the Windows 10 Desktop unavailable error. But if you are still facing the issue follow the methods below to get rid of the desktop unavailable on Windows 10 problem.

Why “Desktop is unavailable in Windows 10” Error Occur?

Some of the reasons why error C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop occurring on your PC are:

• Wrong file system
• Problem with the USB port
• Unsafe removal of removable drive
• Corrupt Windows update
• Corrupt registry
• Virus attack
• Power failure
• Incorrect operation
• Damaged or corrupt records
• Hard drive with bad sectors
• Faulty user account
• Error due to third-party antivirus
• Empty or corrupt desktop folder
• Misconfigured files
• Cluttered hard disk
• Unsuccessful installation of program

These are the reasons why you are facing the “Desktop unavailable error”. But in whatever situation you may face the problem the following solutions will fix it. So, let’s get started.

How to rectify this error ?

Soution 1: Shut down your PC & restore the Desktop folder.

Step # 1: Try System Clean Boot to fix C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop Error

Sometimes, installing a major update can cause system functions to show errors in various tasks. That’s why canceling all third-party apps and restarting your PC can resolve this issue. You can again enable it after your Windows 10 desktop becomes available.

• Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows logo key + R together.
• Type the following command in search line: msconfig and press Enter.
• Click on the option of Service. Look for Hide all Microsoft Services.
• Here click disable all. It will disable all third party active services.
• Finally, reboot your PC.

Step # 2: Restore Desktop folder manually

Copy C:\Users\Defaults\Desktop to C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\

Navigate to this location shown below ->right click and copy the “Desktop” folder

C:\Users\default

Paste the “Desktop” folder inside C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop

Now restart the system and check where the error is fixed. Otherwise, follow the next solution.

Solution# 2: Create the missing Desktop folder from Advanced Startup Options

• Open Start by pressing windows logo key on your keyboard.
• Click the Power button.
• After clicking, press and hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard. Then click on option of Restart.
• A new window will open up in your screen. Here, from the recovery options navigate the following route: Troubleshoot-> Advanced options ->-> Command Prompt.
• Your PC will restart as a result. Wait for it. Then when screen appears, click on an option of user with (administrative privileges). You password will be required here. Type your password.
• Now, you have to find out on which disk Windows were installed on your PC. For this, you have to type in the command prompt window the following command: dir C:

Take a Note Here! If the Windows directory doesn’t display on your PC then continue by typing the next alphabet letters and stop only when you find that specific drive that contains the Windows folder (e.g. dir d: , dir e:. dir f:, etc.). If the Windows directory is displayed then you can continue with the following steps.

• Now type the command: md X:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop and press Enter. It will create the missing window.

Take a Note Here! Here, the X is a Windows drive letter, you can replace it with your own letter. We will be using the “D” in our command; MD D:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop

• Now when you are done with previous step, close the command prompt window.
• To exit from recovery options, click on the Continue. Then boot your Windows 10.

Here is the complete picture guide of all these steps:

Solution# 3: Restore Windows 10 to a Previous Working State

• Open Start by pressing windows logo key on your keyboard.
• Click the Power button.
• After clicking, press and hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard. Then click on option of Restart.
• A new window will open up in your screen. Here, from the recovery options navigate the following route: Troubleshoot-> Advanced options -> System Restore.
• Your PC will restart as a result. Wait for it. Then when screen appears, click on an option of user with (administrative privileges). You password will be required here. Type your password.
• On the first screen that will open, Click Next.
• Then check the Show more restore points checkbox. Here you will have to to select a previously working state of Windows 10 from the list and press Next.
• You will ask to review your selection. If you are agree, click on Finish.
• Now, click on Yes to confirm.
• Now wait for the restoration process to complete. Your PC will restart several times during the process. Log in again when the process is done.

Here is a complete picture guide for you:

Solution# 5: Go back to previous Windows 10 version

Another common and easy way to fix the “Windows 10 Desktop Unavailable” error is by going back to your previous version of Windows 10. We recommend backing up all your data and files before restoring your Windows to its previous version. Follow the steps here to restore your Windows 10 to its previous version:

• Press Windows logo key on your keyboard and type Settings in search box. It will open settings of your PC.
• From Settings choose Update & Security.
• Here, click on the Recovery Option. Now, click on the Get Started option available under the Go back to an earlier build option.
• They will ask for a reason to go back. You can simply choose “For another reason” and press Next.
• They will ask one last time for ‘Check for updates’ options. Here, click No, thanks and continue.
• In the next tab, read all the information and continue if you like.

Take a Note Here! If after installing the latest update/build you have changed your password, you must remember your previous password to log in again after restoring Windows 10 to the previous version. if they ask for it, put your previous password and press next.

• Lastly, click on the Go Back To Earlier Build and end the procedure.

Here is the complete picture guide to this method to fix Desktop Unavailable in Windows 10 error:

That’s it for now. Tell us if above mentioned five methods helped you solve the “Desktop is Unavailable in Windows 10” error easily. Leave below any queries you have in your mind.