Where Are the Default and Public Windows Profiles?
Windows builds every profile from the Default template and shares public files through the Public profile.
Last updated
Windows keeps two template profiles alongside real users. Default is the stencil every new account copies at first logon; Public holds files shared with everyone on the machine.
That split decides where shared things go. Shortcuts for all users belong in Public Desktop, while per-user defaults get seeded into Default before accounts exist. Editing either affects no current user, only future logons and shared views.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Users\Default
Template copied for every new account. Seed files and registry defaults here to shape future users; current profiles never inherit changes.
C:\Users\Public
Shared Desktop, Documents, and media visible to all local users. Place shared shortcuts here instead of copying them per account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I put a file on every new user's Desktop?
Place the file in the Default profile's matching path and every new account inherits it. Existing profiles never pick up the change, so this only shapes future users.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.