While browsing your system files on your windows computer you may have stumbled upon a strange looking file called NTUSER.DAT file and they are typically nestled within your user folder, out of your sight! On a glance, it would seem suspicious, or even a virus. But worry not because it is not harmful. In fact, it’s one of the most important user profile files.
We’ll walk you through this article, what the NTUSER.DAT file is, whether you need to have it on your Windows and if you should even delete it (spoiler: you don’t).
What Is the NTUSER.DAT File?
Everytime you login to windows the system remembers your own settings – your favorite wall, display settings, language, sound settings, browser choices, etc. These settings are the ones which are unique to every account on a user, and those need to be stored somewhere safe. That “somewhere” is the NTUSER.DAT file.
This is a file that contains any user specific settings and preferences withing the Windows Registry which is the systems database for configuration and customisation. Every user account that exists in a windows PC has a NTUSER.DAT file.
In simple terms:
NTUSER.DAT= This is your personal Windows settings file.
Where is the NTUSER.DAT File Found?
The NTUSER.DAT file is located in your user profile folder. You’ll find it here:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\
It’s hidden by default, which means that you won’t be able to see it if you don’t enable “Show hidden files” in File Explorer.
Each copy of this file is in a user account. So, if there are any few people using one computer at a time then they will have their own copy of the NTUSER.DAT.
What Does the NTUSER.DAT File Do?
Windows uses this file to be able to load up your preferences each time you log in. It contains settings such as:
- Desktop wallpaper and theme
- Taskbar and menu layout
- Language and keyboard options
- Internet browser (Settings & Preferences)
- File Explorer view style
- Application software
By the way, whenever you have changed something within your Windows – for example dark mode or change your desktop icons – your Windows changes your NTUSER.DAT file behind the scenes.
Is NTUSER.DAT a Virus?
No, it is not a virus. It is a real and needed system file which is generated by Windows itself.
However, its deletion or modification may dispose to problems. If there is any damage to the file or if the file gets deleted then Windows may not be able to load your user profile correctly. You could lose your assist settings or in others you may lose your user account as a result of loading
What Happens If NTUSER.DAT is Deleted/Corrupted?
If the NTUSER.DAT is deleted, damaged or corrupted it could prevent your currently profile from loading correctly. Errors as seen on the Windows could include:
- “User Profile Cannot Be Loaded”
- “Temporary Profile Loaded
- Missing desktop icons/ settings
Basically your system would not remember your customized settings and also you would be getting logged into a temporary or broken profile. That’s why it is important not to touch this file.
Can You Delete NTUSER.DAT File System?
You are not suggested removing and editing NTUSER.DAT file manual. It is needed for a proper functionality of Windows system together with your user account.
The only time this can be modified or changed is the course of professional troubleshooting – This could be repairing a broken user profile or migrating the injured profile.
Why Is It Hidden?
Windows has “hidden” this file and it is in hidden so that you don’t accidentally impact or delete it. Since it is an integral part of the process of loading your personal profile – Windows stores it out of plain-sight. Hidden does not mean harmful – it just means protected.
Can NTUSER.DAT Grow Too Large?
Yes, sometimes, this file may increase in size as per period of time, in particular if there is a number of customizations or softwares setting would be stored in this file. However, this will generally not impact the performance of the system, unless it is unusually large.
If you have a very large ntuser.dat, it could be because of:
- Registry bloat
- Uninstalled programs dropping their junk setup
- Profile is not properly getting cleaned up
In such instances cleaning the registry or getting rid of redundant software may help, however, they are better off using safe cleaning tools than going straight into NTUSER.DAT.
Final Thoughts
The NTUSER.DAT file appears to look perplexing or suspicious at first, but it’s actually an important part of your Windows system. In this way, it stores all your personal preferences and user sets without your knowledge so when you login your computer, it will always look and feel the way you have configured it.
So the next time you see NTUSER.DAT you don’t have to worry if it is not harmful. It’s just that your computer remembers you.
Also Read: How to Fix a DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 10
