Windows Integration Errors

How to Fix Windows Temporary Profile Error 0x426-0x0 and Recover Files

WPS Editor Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve Windows temporary profile error 0x426-0x0 to restore their original user account and recover missing files.

Product: Windows / Microsoft Office
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Signing into Windows after an OS update or application crash.
Observed behavior: Windows logs into a temporary profile instead of the primary account, hiding personal files and displaying error 0x426-0x0, which also affects Microsoft Office and OneDrive sync.

Before you start

Do not save any new documents or transfer photos to the current desktop while experiencing this error. Any data saved inside a temporary profile is permanently deleted as soon as you sign out or restart the computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore the User Profile via Registry Editor

Modify the Windows registry to remove the temporary profile assignment and restore the correct user profile path.

Windows creates a backup of your original profile in the registry when it fails to load. By renaming these registry keys, you can force Windows to use your original profile upon the next login.

Open the Registry Editor

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type 'regedit', and press Enter. Click 'Yes' if prompted by User Account Control.

Navigate to the ProfileList folder

In the left pane, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.

Locate and rename the profile keys

Look for a folder starting with 'S-1-5' that has a duplicate with a '.bak' extension. The folder without '.bak' is the temporary profile. Right-click the folder without '.bak', select Rename, and add '.old' to the end.

Restore the original profile

Right-click the matching folder that has the '.bak' extension, select Rename, and delete the '.bak' portion to make it the active profile.

Restart the computer

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Windows should now sign you into your original profile with all files intact.

Proceed with Caution: Modifying the Windows registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Consider exporting the ProfileList folder as a backup before making any changes.

Solution 2

Clear Credentials and Reset OneDrive Sync

Use this solution if error 0x426-0x0 is specifically tied to Microsoft Office applications or OneDrive failing to verify your account credentials.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office to Prevent Sync Errors and Protect Files

Avoid complex Microsoft Office sign-in errors and temporary profile issues. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that allows you to easily save your documents locally and safely, while maintaining perfect compatibility with Microsoft formats.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install the suite on your computer.
3. Open your files: Right-click your existing Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets, or presentations and open them directly in WPS Office.

Completely free, lightweight, and easy to install on WindowsFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Reliable local saving options to protect files against cloud sync failuresFamiliar user interface requires no learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do my files go when I am signed into a temporary profile?

Files saved while logged into a temporary profile are stored in a temporary folder inside the C:\Users directory. However, they are permanently deleted by the system the moment you sign out or restart the computer.

How do I know if Windows is using a temporary profile?

Windows will typically show a notification in the bottom right corner of the screen stating, 'You've been signed in with a temporary profile'. Additionally, your standard desktop background, shortcuts, and personal documents will be missing.

Can I recover files if I accidentally saved them in the temporary profile?

Once you sign out or restart, any files saved to the temporary profile's desktop or documents folders are permanently erased. They usually cannot be recovered without using specialized third-party data recovery software.

Does error 0x426-0x0 cancel my Microsoft 365 subscription?

No, your subscription remains fully active. The error simply prevents the local Office applications from verifying your license credentials or syncing properly with OneDrive. Fixing the profile issue will restore full access to your subscription.

Microsoft Office Error Codes