How to Fix Duplicate User Accounts on Windows Login Screen

Occasionally, Windows users encounter an issue where two identical user profiles appear on the login screen. This glitch can cause confusion and hinder a smooth login process. Let’s explore the possible reasons behind this issue and how to resolve it effectively.

Why Are There Duplicate Users on the Login Screen?

Several common causes can lead to duplicate user accounts appearing at login, including:

  • Registry Errors: Incorrect entries in the system registry may cause duplicate accounts to show up.
  • System Updates: Major Windows updates can sometimes introduce glitches, affecting user account configurations.
  • Group Policy Misconfigurations: Altered group policy settings, especially if they’ve been manually adjusted or influenced by third-party software, can impact user accounts and login options.

Ways to Fix Duplicate User Accounts on Windows Login

Here are several methods that can help you resolve this issue.

1. Check Account Settings in the Registry

Before making changes to the registry, it’s recommended to create a system restore point as a safety measure. To proceed:

  1. Open the registry editor by pressing Win + R and entering regedit.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
  3. Look for any duplicate entries for a single user. If duplicates are present, you may need to delete the extra entry.

2. Reset Group Policy Settings

Windows Group Policy configurations can sometimes create conflicts that lead to duplicate user accounts. To reset the settings:

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc.
  2. Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon.
  3. Check the policy settings for any extra options that might display duplicate accounts. Resetting these settings to default values may help.

3. Disable Startup Applications That Affect System Login

Certain programs, such as account managers or antivirus software, can interfere with the Windows login process. To manage startup applications:

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Go to the Startup tab and disable any applications that might be causing conflicts.

4. Update Your System and Drivers

Frequent system and driver updates help address various glitches. Check for and install any available updates:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
  2. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.