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Don’t delete the two folders just because they look additional. Their names and locations aren’t provided, so it isn’t possible to tell whether they’re leftover files, part of an active Windows profile, or connected to a profile problem. Check each folder’s full path and contents first. If Windows is loading a temporary profile or your usual files are missing, preserve the folders and follow Microsoft’s profile-recovery guidance. If you only need storage space, use Windows Cleanup recommendations instead of guessing which folders are safe to remove.
First, find out which folders you mean
“User folders” could mean folders directly under C:Users, folders inside your own profile, or duplicate-looking locations shown in File Explorer. Those cases are not interchangeable. The question does not include the two folder names or their paths, so there is no reliable way to classify them as safe to delete.
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- In File Explorer, locate each folder and note its exact name and full path. Right-click it and choose Properties if you need to confirm its location.
- Look at the visible contents and modification dates. These details can help identify what the folder contains, but an unfamiliar name, an old date, or an apparently empty view does not prove it is unused.
- Check whether your Windows account opens normally and whether your usual Desktop, Documents, and other files are present.
A Windows profile is more than a folder visible in File Explorer: Microsoft describes it as including the NTuser.dat registry hive and profile folders that can contain files, settings, and application data. Windows uses profile folders for familiar locations such as Desktop, Start menu, and Documents. Microsoft notes that “Windows Explorer uses the user-profile folders extensively for such items as the user’s Desktop, Start menu and Documents folder.” (Microsoft Learn: About User Profiles)
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When extra folders may point to a profile problem
If you see a message that Windows can’t load your profile, Windows starts a temporary session, or your normal Desktop or Documents appear to be missing, don’t try to fix the issue by deleting the additional folders. Microsoft explains that incomplete or improper profile removal can leave extra user folders, and profile problems can result in temporary profiles. A folder that looks redundant may be connected to a profile-management issue.
Preserve the files and follow Microsoft’s guidance for fixing a corrupted user profile. Its documented approach includes creating a new account or profile and copying files from the old profile. Follow the copy instructions carefully: Microsoft warns against showing hidden files and protected operating-system files during that process. (Microsoft Support: Fix a corrupted user profile in Windows)
Microsoft also provides a sample script that looks for folders not referenced by ProfileList SID information, but labels the script unsupported under its standard support program. It is not a general-purpose, casual deletion method for folders whose identity is unknown. (Microsoft Learn: Cleanup of undeleted user profiles)
Choose the next step based on your goal
| Your situation | Safer next step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Windows shows a temporary profile, reports a profile-loading error, or your usual files are missing | Keep the folders and follow Microsoft’s corrupted-profile guidance. | Deleting a folder could remove profile data or make recovery harder. |
| You only want to reclaim disk space and Windows is working normally | Open Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. Review each listed category before cleaning it. | Windows shows cleanup categories and the space expected to be freed, so you can choose items you understand rather than guessing about profile folders. (Microsoft Support: Manage drive space with Storage Sense) |
What cannot be determined from the question alone
The Windows version, folder names, full paths, contents, and account status are all unknown. It is also not clear whether the entries are actual folders, shortcuts, or junctions. Without those details, neither folder can be identified as disposable. Keep them until you know what they contain and whether Windows or your account relies on them.
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