Other reasons can be accounts being turned off, user profiles getting damaged, or some settings in the registry being wrong. Before proceeding, remember that you can use solution 1 or 2 to log in to the system (or use a domain/Microsoft account if one is available), then try the other solutions to fix the issue permanently. Once you’ve logged in, see if fully shutting down and restarting your PC (after properly signing out) resets any glitches. If you’re part of a domain network, make sure that your organization’s security policy is not causing this issue. Also, check that no security product used for login control (such as Duo 2FA) is causing the problem. Finally, make sure all user accounts have passwords (including guest accounts) and check that they appear at “\users” (you can go there using the Run box).
1. Log In Using the Other User Option
You might be able to log in through the “Other User” option by manually entering your username (sometimes with a backslash). Once logged in, you can follow additional solutions for a permanent fix. If you are on a domain or Azure AD, try using your domain or Azure AD name, followed by the backslash and your username (e.g., AzureAD\Name).
2. Use the Advanced Recovery Options
If the “Other User” option doesn’t work, you can try advanced recovery options, such as startup repair or booting into safe mode.
2.1. Startup Repair
2.2. Safe Mode
2.3. Use Command Prompt to Enable the Built-in Administrator Account
3. Disable Fast Startup on Your PC
This issue might happen if Fast Startup is turned on, because it can sometimes cause the system to skip important system checks. Turning off Fast Startup can help. If your accounts are still missing, try switching your graphics card in BIOS from integrated to dedicated, or vice versa.
4. Add the User to the Administrator Group
If local user accounts are not part of any user group (possibly due to a glitch), they may not show up. Adding the users to an appropriate group can solve the problem. Before proceeding, make sure that no user is only added under Settings > Accounts > Access Work or School (you can add them under Other Users). You can also do this using the command prompt (opened as administrator) by running: If accounts are still missing, you might need to create a new user account and transfer your data.
5. Use the Group Policy Editor
You may face this problem if your group policy settings are not correct. Fixing the relevant group policy may resolve the problem. Users on Windows 10 Home will first need to install the Group Policy Editor. Press the Windows key, type Group Policy in the search box, and select Edit Group Policy. Now follow these configuration steps:
5.1. Enable ‘Enumerate Local Users on Domain-Joined Computers’
5.2. Edit the Security Options
5.3. Edit Windows Logon Options
You can achieve the same result by disabling the following:
6. Edit the System Registry
Missing accounts can result from incorrect registry settings. You may need to edit some registry keys to get back your login accounts. Warning: Proceed with caution. Editing your system registry can be risky and might result in permanent damage to your Windows system or your data if done incorrectly. Open the Registry Editor as an administrator and try these solutions one by one (some keys may not be present for every user). Before starting, make sure to back up your registry.
6.1. Delete Accounts in SpecialAccounts Key
6.2. Disable HideFastUserSwitching
6.3. Disable DontDisplayLastUserName
6.4. Delete Corrupt Profiles in ProfileList
6.5. Delete Group Policy Registry Keys
If you still have trouble, consider restoring your system to a previous version of Windows 10, or using System Restore. If that’s not possible, create a Windows 10 installation media (disk or USB) using another computer. Boot from this media and select “Repair Your Computer” (bottom left of the screen) to fix your Windows installation.
