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Summary
Hidden in every user profile is a file named NTUSER.DAT.
Windows automatically loads, changes, and saves the file for you.
Windows accomplishes this by first storing that information tothe Registryin the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Then when you sign out or shut down, Windows saves that information to the NTUSER.DAT file.
This process lets you personal prefs unique to your user profile, like your chosen desktop background.
The name NTUSER.DAT is a holdover from Windows NT, first introduced with Windows 3.1.
Microsoft uses the DAT extension with any file that contains data.
Every User Has an NTUSER.DAT File
Windows didn’t always have full support for user profiles.
If you don’t see NTUSER.DAT yet, don’t worry.
Microsoft doesn’t intend for you to edit or delete this file, so they hide it.
you might turn on theShow Hidden Filesoption to make the file visible.
Click “View,” then tick the box next to “Show Hidden Items.”
Every time you make a change, Windows saves your new preferences to the NTUSER.DAT file.
Even Microsoft knows you should alwaysback up your controls and files.
Don’t Delete the NTUSER.DAT file
You shouldn’t ever delete your NTUSER.DAT file.
Because Windows depends on it to load your parameters and preferences, removing it would corrupt your user profile.
When you next sign in, you’ll see a prompt that Windows can’t sign into your account.
Deleting it won’t regain much space typically, but the results can be disastrous.
If a user profile isn’t needed, it’s best toremove the user accountthrough Windows.
You probably shouldn’t edit it either.
The better thing to do isuse regeditto make changes to the registry.
