Using multiple user accounts in Windows 10 is a convenient way to control access to files and apps. Switching between accounts saves what you’re working on without closing anything. Learn about several ways to switch between accounts here.
Content
- How to switch user accounts
- Start menu
- Lock screen
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete
- Press Alt+F4
- Command line
How to switch user accounts
You can change users in two ways. in Windows 10. One completely logs out of the current account and closes all running applications, just like it happens when you restart your computer. The other simply switches accounts – putting the current user and their applications in the background.
Switching users has its benefits – you can easily move between accounts without worrying about losing unsaved files or forgetting what you were doing because your programs closed. However, this results in more consumption of system resources, especially RAM. Some PCs may experience issues with higher RAM requirements.
Because logging out of a Windows 10 account ends all running processes, be sure to save any files you’re working on before logging out. Otherwise, they may be lost.
Start menu
First, click the Start button or press the Windows key. Then click on the person icon – if you set an account image, this will be instead of the generic icon. Another smaller menu will appear. Find the user account you want to switch to and click it. You will immediately be taken to the login screen and you will be prompted to enter that user’s password.
Lock screen
One way to switch users is to go through the lock screen. ClickWin + Lto immediately access the lock screen. Click in an empty space and the login screen should appear in the window. Then, in the lower left corner of the login screen, click the desired user account.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Ctrl + Alt+Ofbest known for being used to access the Task Manager. It can also be used to access several other options, including a button to switch users. ClickCtrl+Alt+Delete, and the second option on the list will be “Change User” Click it and you will be taken to the login screen.
Press Alt+F4
You can also switch users by clickingAlt+F4. First, click on an empty space on your desktop. Then clickAlt+F4.
Warning. If you don’t select an empty spot on your desktop first, any application that has focus will be removed immediately. closed.
Select “Change User”. Then click “OK” at the bottom. You will be at the login screen; click the desired user account and enter the password.
Command line
Windows has a command to switch user accounts, but only on Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education. It won’t work on Windows 10 Home.
Launch Command Prompt by clicking the Start button, type “Command Prompt” or “command” into the search bar, and then press Enter. You can also click “Open.”
Type tsdisconat the command prompt and you will be returned to the login screen.
If you don’t have Windows 10 Pro or later, but really want to change the account you’re signed in with, you can log out using Command Prompt instead.
Note. Remember that logging out is different from switching users. Logging out will close all your applications.
Type shutdown /lin command line and pressEnter. You will be completely logged out. Select the desired account and enter the password.
Windows includes many user account controls that make it worthwhile to switch accounts on a shared PC. You can customize the appearance of the desktop and icons, restrict access to certain files and applications (including the firewall), or enable parental controls such as limiting screen time
