Removal of Roaming Profiles

What is changing?

On December 17, 2024, at 6 p.m., we will remove roaming profiles from all user accounts in preparation for the upcoming roll out of Windows 11 to campus workstations. 

What is a roaming profile?
A roaming profile is where Windows currently stores your account personalization settings, such as desktop image, color scheme, and some software settings, and allows those to “roam” with you to each new workstation that you log into.

What Does This Mean?

  • Faster log in times and consistent performance for your computer account.
  • Reduction in software issues caused by your profile quota usage.
  • Application settings, like custom preferences, bookmarks, and toolbars, must be reapplied on each new workstation you use.
  • Personalized desktop settings (e.g., wallpaper, colors, and themes), will not "roam" and must be reapplied on each new workstation you use.
  • This change does NOT impact S Drives.

How Do I Prepare?

  • Move files from your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads folders to OneDrive. OneDrive is cloud-based storage and will ensure that your documents are available from virtually anywhere.
  • Use SharePoint/Teams for shared files and collaboration.
  • Save course-related files in Blackboard to keep them organized and easily accessible to you and your students.
  • Log into your preferred web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge etc.) to save and sync your bookmarks. This will allow them to travel with you, no matter which workstation you log into.
  • Helpful Strategies for File Management

    As we prepare for the removal of roaming profiles in December, now is the perfect time to start moving and organizing your files. Moving your documents to OneDrive is a quick and simple way to ensure your files are accessible from any workstation.

    Learn More About OneDrive
    OneDrive offers a lot of benefits. Watch this 1-minute video for a deeper understanding of OneDrive's value.

    Upload Files to OneDrive
    Ready to get started? Check out this simple tutorial that will walk you through the process of uploading your files to OneDrive.

    1. Choose your preferred browser, and head to www.office.com.

    2. Sign In: Use your SHSU username and password.

       2024 OneDrive - File Management Graphic 1 (10).png

    3. Once signed in, click on the options icon in the top left corner.

       2024_OneDrive_Graphic_2.png

    4. A drop down menu will appear, select OneDrive.

       2024_OneDrive_Graphic_3.png

    5. In OneDrive, select the +Add new button at the top left.

      2024_OneDrive_Graphic_4.png

    6. A drop down menu will appear, select Files upload for individual files, or Folder upload to upload an entire folder.

       2024_OneDrive_Graphic_5.png

    7. Select the file or folder you want to upload.

       2024_OneDrive_Graphic_6.png

    8. You can find your uploaded files or folders under the My files tab on the left side of the screen. 

       2024_OneDrive_Graphic_7.png

    Helpful Tips:   
    1. Organize: Create folders for Quick access to your documents, pictures and downloads.
    2. Sync: Turn on OneDrive Sync to automatically back up important files. 
    3. Drag and Drop: You can also drag your files from your desktop into the OneDrive folder or right click files or folders and select "Move to Once Drive."

  • Software Settings Information


    We will begin enhancing your login experience starting this December! This enhancement includes speeding up login times, reducing application errors, and reducing profile corruption. We will accomplish this by removing roaming profiles from computer accounts.

    Additionally, this update prepares us for a smooth transition to Windows 11 in 2025, which will bring a range of benefits itself that will optimize your overall user experience.

    What does this mean for you?
    As part of this upgrade, we want to ensure that you are aware that certain personalized software settings will no longer follow you from one computer to another when you log in.

    Examples of these software settings include:

    • Desktop wallpaper and color schemes.
    • Application-specific settings (e.g., Default file save locations, connected shared mailboxes, and default app settings).
    • Taskbar and Start Menu customizations.
    • Default printer preferences.
      NOTE: Printers will still automatically connect when logging in to a computer lab computer.
      Bookmarks and passwords saved in your web browser.


    PRO TIP: Log into your browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge etc.) to save and sync your bookmarks and passwords. Once you do this, you should only need to log into your browser on the new computer to see your bookmarks and passwords.

    If you would like to use these personalized settings, you will need to reapply them each time you log onto a different computer. We recommend saving your important settings manually or using cloud-based tools, such as LastPass for passwords and browser sync features for things like bookmarks.

We're here to support you through this transition. If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk.

IT Service Desk
Sam Houston State University
Academic Building I, Room 145
936.294.1950 | ServiceDesk@shsu.edu