This message usually pops up in post-login scenario. Since each user has their own profile, and Windows needs to get you started from somewhere, it first checks for this. It is possible that due to some misconfiguration in the registry or global or user profile settings, the location is not correct. It can also happen during an update or some irregular program uninstallation, profile corruption, and more. When this happens, Windows creates a new desktop for you that has no data except for the default ones. This is what becomes scary.

The solution is applicable for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. Also, you will need admin privilege for all of these methods. If you have a regular account, either you need to create one or ask your admin on the PC to do this for you. To fix Desktop Location is not available, follow these steps: Let’s check out these steps in detail.

If you look at the error message closely, it’s looking for your Desktop at C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile. However, the usual desktop location is at C:\Users\Desktop. They are mapped internally. So to fix this, if it works, follow the steps below: Copy  C:\Users\Desktop Navigate to Paste the Desktop folder you just copied. Then, restart your computer, and see if the problem has been resolved. In case you cannot see your desktop folder, change the view setting to show hidden files to reveal it.

In the Run prompt (press Win+ R ), type regedit and hit Enter. Navigate to the following key: Double click to open the value data, and enter either of these:

%USERPROFILE%\DesktopC:\Users%USERNAME%\Desktop

Click OK, and quit the Registry Editor. Restart your PC

It is possible that the user profile settings might be corrupted. To follow this method, you need to have an admin account which can boot the computer in Safe Mode, and then update a few registry settings for you. Check out our guide on how to fix a corrupt profile.

Click on the Start button and type Services in the Start menu search box. In Services, scroll down to “Remote Procedure Call” and make sure the status says “Started” and set to Automatic. Similarly, “RPC Locator” should be set to “Manual“. We expect at least one of the solutions should work for you. It’s only a matter of mapping it to the right path, and your files remain safe. NOTE: If you cannot boot Windows 10 normally, you may have to boot it in Safe Mode or into Advanced Startup options screen to be able to carry out the fixes.

To fix your desktop is unavailable error in Windows 11/10, you need to manually copy the desktop folder to system profile and add the desktop location via Registry Editor. These two steps can help you troubleshoot the problem you are getting on your computer while accessing the Desktop.

To fix the location is not available error in Windows 11/10, you may need to troubleshoot it in the Clean Boot mode, run chkdsk scan, ensure you have the full ownership of the folder, etc. However, if you get this problem with your Desktop, you need to copy the Desktop folder location in your System profile manually. Related read: Location is not available, Access is denied error for files & folders.