My windows 10 pro always show preparing windows anytime i log in to my account and it will wipe every data i have on the laptop during the last usage

David Ghansah 0 Reputation points
2026-09-03T10:12:06.6833333+00:00

I installed windows 10 pro two days ago and after the first login which showed preparing windows, I downloaded all the things i need. This morning I logged in and used it and it didn't show the preparing windows but I turned it on right now and I saw the preparing windows and after it signed in, all my data including my browsing data and downloads have been deleted.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. DaveM121 928.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-03T10:45:26.5866667+00:00

    Most likely, you are being logged into a temporary account.

    Before you do anything or move any files around

    Restart (not shut down) your PC 4 times, each time let your PC get to the Desktop before the next restart, this will fix this issue a lot of the time.

    Otherwise:

    Please open Windows File Explorer

    Navigate to C:\Users

    Do you see two user folders that look like yours?

    Open those folders and check inside Pictures, Documents... etc. and see if your files are there

    If your files are there:

    NOTE VERY IMPORTANT: Do Not copy your files into the Temporary profile you are currently in, when the situation is corrected, your files will be deleted with the Temporary Profile and will not be recoverable !!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-03T10:12:27.6133333+00:00

    This behavior matches a temporary profile or a corrupted user profile. When Windows signs in with a temporary profile, it can show Preparing Windows, load a default desktop, and make files from the last session appear missing.

    Recommended steps:

    1. Restart the PC and sign in again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings.
      • If a message appears saying You are logged on with a temporary profile. Roaming options are currently unavailable, restart the device and sign in again.
      • If a message appears saying We can't sign into your account. This problem can often be fixed by signing out of your account and then signing back in, restart and sign in again.
      • It may take more than one restart before files appear again.
    2. Back up any work created in the current session before signing out
      • If currently signed in to a temporary account, back up anything created since the last sign-in to an external drive.
      • Data created in the temporary account can be deleted when signing out.
    3. Check whether files are in the built-in Administrator account
      • This can happen if a new Microsoft account was created during an upgrade.
      • Open the search box, type computer management, and open Computer Management.
      • Select Local Users and Groups > Users.
      • If Administrator has a down arrow on its icon, open it and clear Account is disabled, then select Apply.
      • Sign out and sign in with the Administrator account to check whether the files are there.
    4. If a reset or reinstall is needed, back up files first
      • Resetting the PC reinstalls Windows.
      • Keep my files keeps personal files but removes apps and settings.
      • Remove everything removes personal files, apps, and settings.
      • If the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key may be required.
    5. If choosing Reset this PC
      • Open Settings > System > Recovery.
      • Select Reset PC.
      • Choose Keep my files if personal files must be preserved.
      • During reset, do not manually restart the device even if the screen stays black for a long time, or the reset can fail.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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