What is a user profile?

A user profile is a group of settings that defines customization preferences and options for a particular user, including personalized files such as custom dictionaries, custom templates, and AutoCorrect and AutoFormat lists. For example, those customization preferences and options that are specific to a user — such as installed applications, desktop icons, and color options — are contained in a user profile. The operating system uses the information contained in your user profile to configure your computer each time you log on.