Unknown User Account


  1. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
       #1

    Unknown User Account


    Hi, I want to get rid of an Unknown User Account and I don't know how to do it safely.

    The standard method doesn't apply because I can't see my Unknown User Account in Control Panel --> User Accounts. Matter of fact no matter where I look C:\Users, usrmgr.msc, netplwiz, Windows Settings --> Accounts this Unknown User Account is nowhere to be seen, yet when I use regedit and open a random Properties menu I notice an Unknown User Account there. I tried to delete it, but it automatically adds itself again. See screenshot:

    Unknown User Account-registry-unknown-account.png

    Above you see the Unknown User Account, and below I'll post several screenshots of other locations on my PC where you don't see it. I'm using a Dutch version, and Openbaar means Public, in case anyone wonders.

    Unknown User Account-c-users.png

    Next screenshot is taken from This PC --> Properties --> Advanced Settings --> User Profiles --> Settings:

    Unknown User Account-user-profiles.png

    Next screenshot is taken from the Configuration Screen --> User Accounts:

    Unknown User Account-config-screen-user-accounts.png

    Next screenshot is taken from lusrmgr.msc Users:

    Unknown User Account-lusrmgr.msc-users.png

    Next screenshot is taken from lusrmgr.msc User Groups:

    Unknown User Account-lusrmgr.msc-user-groups.png

    You see, I wasn't kidding when I said that this mysterious Unknown User Account is nowhere to be seen, except of course in Regedit --> Properties of a random key or name.

    To be clear I only have a few Accounts.
    An Administrator Account, which is also my Microsoft Account, and I activated the Build-in Administrator Account:
    net user administrator /active:yes

    I've checked if it was possible to see this Unknown Account if I logged into my Build-in Administrator Account: but the answer is the same as when I'm logged in my Administrator Account I use daily. There was no difference!

    So the mystery is still alive, where is this elusive Unknown User Account located, and how do I delete it?

    PS I've read at least 10 different websites/forums today but none have an answer for my specific problem.
    Hopefully someone is knowledgeable enough here to help me...

    Regards Carlo
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Hi Brink, thanks for stepping in

    "Account Unknown" is from a user account that had previously accessed the item, and the account is no longer currently available. For example, the account was deleted, or accessed by a user from another computer/network."

    As far as I know there hasn't been another Account on my machine, nor accessed from other computers or network.
    Because I'm the only user. Could it not due to a major update of Windows? Some other folks allude to that on other forums...

    Whatever the cause I'll try your method now and see how far I get...
    I'll keep you posted
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #3

    I just checked, and have the same on my system for this registry key. It also just comes back.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Yeah Brink, I went to regedit, selected Properties from Classes Root, Local Machine etc, and I was able to remove it but when I click the Apply button it automatically pops up again.

    Same result with Method 4 (Advanced section) Change Permissions of Objects for Users and Groups in Windows 10

    PS I just checked my Drive, divided in 3 partitions, and the Unknown User Account is not present, in each one of them.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Brink, like I said, the Unknown Account doesn't pop up in the Properties of the Drive (Partitions) either, but when I looked at 1 particular Folder on my Data partition I found that mysterious account again. See Screenshot:

    Unknown User Account-folder-unknown-account.png
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    That one has a different SID, so it's not from the same one.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Good eyes, indeed a different SID.
    But now I'm baffled, because when I just checked the main folders on my Data partition there was one Folder (the one with the screen I just uploaded) with the Unknown Account, and when I wanted to double check it was gone,just like that! Didn't do anything!

    Weird huh?!
    I mean all I did was check every single folder' Security menu, and none except one had that Unknown Account, and when I double checked it was gone. And no, I didn't delete anything

    With that said, it still appears in regedit though...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    Great news.

    I wouldn't worry about the one in the registry though. It looks like it could be for the system.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 105
    Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit 21H2 19042.1826
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Yeah ok, thanks.
    If its nothing to worry about then it might be another reason why I receive DCOM errors in the Event log.
    I might create a new thread about that, because I found a really good documented explanation about DCOM errors, yet after following it step by step those errors weren't gone in the System log.

    Anyway, unless others want to chime in, or you Brink come up with new intel I'm gone leave this topic as it is...

    As always, thanks for helping me out bro!
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,471
    Win10 Home x64 - 1809
       #10

    FWIW ...
    I've got that same Unknown Account in Regedit for all the top level Keys > Permissions, so it shows up pretty much everywhere else. I've learned to ignore them, as removing orphaned SIDS from the registry can be a PITA, as you've experienced.

    Note: I have been known to remove Unknown Accounts on folders when I run across them and I'm sure they are really orphaned :)
      My Computers


 

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