Remove a User Profile from an Entra-Joined Windows Computer

Use these instructions when a staff member or teacher is no longer using a Windows computer and you need to remove their local Windows profile without removing the computer from Microsoft Entra ID or Intune.

Before You Begin

• Sign in using a different account with local administrator permissions.

• Confirm the former user is fully signed out.

• Back up any files that must be retained from:

C:\Users\FormerUserProfile

Check the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and any files that may not have synchronized to OneDrive.

Remove the Windows Profile

1. Press:

Windows Key + R

2. Enter:

sysdm.cpl

3. Click OK.

4. Select the Advanced tab.

5. Under User Profiles, click Settings.

6. Select the profile belonging to the former user.

7. Click Delete.

8. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

9. Restart the computer.

Verify the Profile Was Removed

After restarting:

1. Sign in using an administrator account.

2. Open File Explorer.

3. Navigate to:

C:\Users

4. Confirm the former user’s profile folder is no longer present.

Important

Do not select Disconnect under:

Settings → Accounts → Access work or school

Disconnecting the account from that section may remove the computer from Microsoft Entra ID or disconnect it from school management.

Deleting the user profile through System Properties removes only that user’s local Windows profile and cached files. It does not remove:

• The computer from Microsoft Entra ID

• The computer from Microsoft Intune

• School applications or policies

• The device object from the Microsoft 365 environment

The former user’s Microsoft Entra account should also be blocked or disabled separately so they cannot sign in again.