Fixed: Desktop Folder Missing from User Profile

Several solutions to the problem of the desktop folder missing from user profile are compiled in this post. You should look into it to restore the desktop folder that you have lost to your user profile.

Posted by @Lucas December 17, 2024 Updated By @Lucas September 10, 2024

Why desktop folder missing from User Profile?

In most cases, the desktop folder can be found beneath the user profile. When using File Explorer, the desktop folder is often stored in either the C:\Users\Default\Desktop or C:\Users\username\Desktop directory automatically.

The disappearance of the desktop folder might be caused by a variety of circumstances. A list of the most prevalent causes is presented here:

1. The folder on the desktop is undercover.

2. Changes have been made to the position of the desktop folder.

3. Because there is another folder called Desktop, the default desktop folder does not appear since there is a conflict between the folders.

4. It is possible that the desktop folder was erased by accident or because malware removed it.

Other situations may also make desktop file disappear such as, desktop icons missing, incorrect user account, malfunctioned update, etc.

How to fix the Desktop folder missing from User profile

Now that we know what causes the desktop folder to vanish, let's have a look at how to restore the desktop folder that has vanished in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Solution 1.Check folder name conflict

If the desktop folder is not accessible in File Explorer, the first thing you should do is determine whether or not there is a conflict between the names of the folders.

Your Desktop folder may be only renamed to a different name, which means that you are unable to access it as you normally would.

Step 1. Go to C:\Users\UserName > right-click > New > Folder > name it “Desktop”.

The system will then notify you that there is already a folder that functions as a Desktop folder and will inquire as to whether or not you would like to combine the two folders.

Step 2. The Confirm Folder Replace windows will display the name of the Desktop folder as it is now being used. Determine whether two folders share the same name, then locate the one that is the Desktop, and finally, rename it to "Desktop."

Step 3. Restart your computer and check if the missing desktop folder issue has been fixed.

Solution 2. Unhide hidden files and folders

If you are still unable to locate the Desktop folder, it is possible that it is not visible but it is not gone. Make an effort to display hidden folders and files by using the Folders Options.

Navigate to the C:\Users\UserName directory. navigate to View > Options > View, then scroll down and check the box. Display any files, folders, or disks that are hidden.

Solution 3. Delete the damaged update files

It has been established that upgrading can occasionally result in several issues with the system. After applying an update, this may be the situation if the Desktop folder is missing from the User Profile that you are experiencing.

Step 1. Start menu > Windows Settings > Update & Security.

Step 2. Windows Update > View update history.

Step 3. Click Uninstall updates.

Step 4. Locate the update recently installed > right-click it > Uninstall.

How to recover lost/deleted desktop folder/files

The absence of the Desktop folder is not the only issue that is going to be encountered by customers. Loss of files is one of the more common ones. There have been a great number of people who have experienced the loss of data from their desktops and are looking for solutions to recover their data.

To solve this problem, it is recommended to use a professional data recovery application for Windows because it is both efficient and secure.

AOMEI FastRecovery is one of the choices that you ought to take into consideration. Windows users can simply recover their data with the assistance of this cutting-edge software because of its features.

  • Restore 2000+ different sorts of data, such as documents, zip files, movies, and images.
  • Recover data from internal and external HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, etc.
  • Keep the original filenames, formats, and locations when the deleted files are recovered.
  • Selectively decide which data to recover when scanning to save time.
  • Compatible with Server and Windows 11/10/8/7 SP1.
Free DownloadWindows PCs and Servers
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Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Further reading: Avoid desktop files lost in daily work

Those who use Windows can check out the solutions described in this post to solve the problem of the Desktop folder not being included in the User Profile.

A few recommendations are prepared for the protection of data in the future:

πŸ‘†πŸΌ It is important to remember to preserve any modifications or files you make when you are using a temporary user account before you log out of the account.

⚑ Maintaining a frequent antivirus scan and protection for your computer is essential.

πŸ“ƒ Make sure you have a backup of your files before updating.

πŸ”§The utilization of effective data backup software designed for Windows will be the preferred option.

Conclusion

This post will walk you through the process of resolving the issue of "desktop folder missing from user profile" by revealing hidden files, resetting the position of the desktop folder to its default setting, renaming the duplicate folder, and recovering the desktop folder with the assistance of the powerful application AOMEI FastRecovery.