How to fix
Desktop is unavailable after Windows 10 update version 1803
on Windows

Please help me! I have Acer laptop and a PC at home, and they are both running Windows 10. Recently, both of my devices were prompted to update to Windows version 1803, and updates occurred automatically. I had no problems with my desktop. However, when my laptop restarted, I could not get back into Windows at all! I was first asked to choose the language, and then, after few more steps, I was led to the following error message: "C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\config\\systemprofile\\Desktop is unavailable." Restarting does not help!

Windows 1803 update[ref en-1] is the part of Windows April update. Many users of Microsoft forums complained about this issue - some of them said, that the latest update completely ruined their devices.

We must say that it is not true at all, and your machine is safe. However, the Desktop is unavailable after Windows 10 update fix might not be that easy to achieve. Nevertheless, our security experts prepared few solution options that could help you to eliminate the problem.

It is yet unclear why Desktop is unavailable after Windows 10 update version 1803 bug[ref en-2] occurred, but most security experts point at third-party security software, mainly Avast.[ref en-3] Few other users also reported having AVG (a subsidiary company of Avast) installed on their systems. It is a well-known fact that Windows 10 might not be compatible with certain anti-virus programs; however, this update utterly destroyed the operation of the affected machines.

Users who still have not upgraded to Windows 10 version 1803 should uninstall Avast or AVG software before proceeding.

Some users reported that they got the latest update installed forcefully - even with having automatic updates off. Nevertheless, as soon as the machine boots after the update install, users are prompted to choose their language. After doing so, they are faced with two options - restart the PC again by picking "Windows Rollback" option, or select the boot option which appears to be starting up the OS.

Then, users can see the following message:

C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\config\\systemprofile\\Desktop is unavailable. If the location is on this PC, make sure the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted, and then try again. If the location is on a network, make sure you're connected to the network or internet, and then try again. If the location still can't be found, it might have been moved or deleted.

After clicking OK, users are brought to a black desktop with only recycling bin available. None of normal Windows function work and users are left baffled with what to do next. However, some people reported that they can access Task Manager and few other functions.

Now, without the further delay, let's proceed with solutions.

Fix 1. Copy and paste Desktop folder

If you have access to your File Explorer, try the following:

1. Open File Explorer and click View at the top
2. Check the Hidden Items box
   

   

3. Navigate to C:\\users\\Default\\ 
4. Select a Desktop folder and press Ctrl+C (or right-click and select Copy)
5. Go to C:\\Windows\\system32\\config\\systemprofile and press Ctrl +V
6. Restart your machine

Fix 2. Repair your device by using Windows upgrade

You will need an 8GB USB stick to proceed with the following Desktop is unavailable after Windows 10 update fix. Before you start, go to and download installation tool from Microsoft's official website. Create a Windows 10 installation USB on your USB drive (make sure you pick the correct version of your OS - either 32-bit or 64-bit), and follow these steps:

1. Boot the PC and pick the language

   

2. Then, proceed with Use another operating system and Windows 10 on volume [x]
3. Once the computer boots and the error message appears, close it down by pressing OK
4. Right-click on the task bar and then select Task Manager
5. On the top-left of the Task Manager window, click on File-> Run new task (tick the Create this task with administrative privileges box)

   

6. Select Browse and locate setup.exe on your USB drive
7. Click on it and proceed until you can choose to upgrade Windows (remove tick marks next to check for new updates and help make this version better)
8. Allow the process to run

After the process stops running, your machine should operate fine again, and your files should be intact. In case you encounter any more errors, you should install [d1], which can fix all your problems automatically (for example, fix broken registry entries[ref en-4]).