Windows supports multi-user. As a result, a single computer can be used by different users, and they will have their files and programs separated from the other users. But there are times when you want to switch to another account on your computer. So the question is, how to switch users in Windows 11/10?
Well, this is what I will be discussing in this article. So let’s get into the topic right away.
How to Switch Users in Windows 11/10?
Windows offers you multiple ways to switch accounts. These methods are the following:
- Sign-in Screen
- Start Menu
- Windows Terminal
- Alt + Ctrl + Del
- Alt + F4
Now let me talk about all of these methods one by one briefly below:
1] Sign-in Screen
The sign-in screen is one of the quickest ways to switch users on a Windows computer. Whenever you boot up your computer, you can switch users on the login screen and then enter the account’s password to access it.
In case if you are already logged in, you can lock your account by pressing Windows + L key. Once you are on the sign-in screen, follow the below steps:
- From your sign-in screen, click on the screen.
- Now, Windows will display the most recent user. However, if you look at the bottom left, you would also see the others.
- Select your preferred user that you want to sign in with.
- Then enter the login password, and you are good to go.
2] From the Start Menu
You can also switch users using the start menu. It is also a quick and easy method, and for this, you have to follow the below steps:
- Click on the Start Menu.
- In Windows 11, you have to click on the user name, and in Windows 10, click on the user icon.
- A small popup menu will appear. From here, click on the user name and then enter the account’s password, and you are done.
3] Using Windows Terminal
You can also switch users in Windows using the Windows Terminal. For this, you have to run a specific command in the Windows Terminal or command prompt.
So follow the below steps:
- At first, press Windows key + X or right-click on the start menu.
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Now type down tsdiscon and press enter.
- That’s it. Now it will take you to the Windows sign-in Window. , select the user and enter your password.
4] Using CTRL + ALT + DELETE
You can also use the CTRL + ALT + DELETE keys combinations to switch users in Windows. However, this would only work when you are already logged in to a Windows user account.
- First, press CTRL + ALT + DELETE simultaneously.
- Then a few options will appear on your screen from which you need to select Switch users.
- Finally, select the user and enter the account password to access it.
5] ALT + F4 Method
We all are familiar with the Alt + F4 method for closing apps or in Windows or shutting our computer down. But you can also use the same way to switch users in Windows. And for this, you have to follow the below steps:
- First, press ALT + F4 at the same time.
- Now a shutdown dropdown menu will appear.
- From the dropdown list, select Switch user and click on OK.
- Next, you will get logged out of your computer, and then you can select the user you wish to access.
What Happens to All Running Processes When Switching Users in Windows?
The running processes will remain even when you switch users in Windows. User’s processes will remain in the memory, and when you switch to the other user account, new processes will get duplicated. So processes of both of the accounts will run together.
Can Multiple Users Login Simultaneously to Windows?
No, multiple users can’t log in simultaneously on a computer. You can have as many accounts as you want. But only one account can be used at a time.
Any Way to Create a One-Click User Switching Shortcut?
There is no such app or functionality available in Windows to switch users. However, you can use Windows + L key combinations to lock your Pc instantly and login back in.
So that was all for how to switch users in Windows 11/10. Now go ahead and try these methods out and see if they help you or not.