The login prompt on the local computer checks to see if the user exists in the domain rather than on the local computer no pre-existing account is required on the local computer. When a roaming user is created, the user's profile information is instead stored on a centralized file server accessible from any network-joined desktop computer. The Windows Registry is similarly divided to support roaming there are System and Local Machine hives that stay on the local computer, plus a separate User hive (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) designed to be able to roam with the user profile. Normally, a standalone computer stores the user's documents, desktop items, application preferences, and desktop appearance on the local computer in two divided sections, consisting of the portion that could roam plus an additional temporary portion containing items such as the web browser cache. Normally everything except the items within 'Local Settings' is stored on the file server as part of a roaming profile.Ī roaming user profile is a file synchronization concept in the Windows NT family of operating systems that allows users with a computer joined to a Windows domain to log on to any computer on the same domain and access their documents and have a consistent desktop experience, such as applications remembering toolbar positions and preferences, or the desktop appearance staying the same, while keeping all related files stored locally, to not continuously depend on a fast and reliable network connection to a file server.Īll Windows operating systems since Windows NT 3.1 are designed to support roaming profiles. JSTOR ( December 2013) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)įolder layout of typical Windows 2000/XP user profile.

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