For some people, fast user switching could be a good option, while for others its not.
If you are among those who don’t like it and want to disable fast user switching in Windows 10, this article can be very helpful.
I’ll explain the two easiest methods of disabling fast user switching in Windows 10.
Fast user switching can be a good option in the sense that it let you switch between separate users’ accounts on the same computer without quitting the programs running.
For example, if you are working on something and then suddenly your friend comes and requests you to use your laptop or computer, you can fast switch users and let your friend use your computer/ laptop. You need not close the files that you were working on.
You can leave those MS Excel, Word, Powerpoint files, or any other program opened and switch to other accounts for your friend.
Your friend can open any of the programs and work on that including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
Also see: How to take screenshot in Windows
This can be helpful if two users have to share the same computer or laptop at some point in time but it could be troublesome at the same.
Logging with multiple user accounts means more utilization of computer memory and the processor which can slow down your computer to a great extent. It may result in your computer being frozen.
Moreover, you can not restart your computer until the other user logs off. It can be really annoying if the other user after using your computer for few mins gives it back to you without logging off.
If you restart, it might result in the loss of important data that this user might haven’t saved.
How to disable Fast user switching in Windows 10
There is a way to disable fast user switching in Windows 10 (it will be applicable for Windows 8, 8.1 & Windows 7 too).
In fact, there are two ways of doing that. These methods will hide the option of fast user switching which is equivalent to disabling it.
Don’t worry if at any time in the future you need to enable this option, you can do that pretty easily as well. Take a look at both methods.
Method:1- Disable Fast user switching in Windows with Registry Editor
I am discussing both the methods and you can choose the one which suits you better.
In the first method, we will disable Fast User Switching in Windows 10 using Registry Editor.
Here are the steps:
Step:1– Press Windows + R and type “regedit” in the Run command and hit enter or click “OK“
Step:2– The registry editor will open. Head over to the following path.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Policies > System
Step:3– Look for the file that reads “HideFastUserSwitching” from the right-hand side files list. This file should be there. In case you don’t this file, you need to create one.
Right-click the “System” folder as shown in the below image and then to “New” and then select “DWORD (32-bits) Value” or “QWORD (64-bit) Value” based on your operating system.
A new file will be created. The name is as “HideFastUserSwitching” and press enter.
Step:4– Double-click the file you have just created (or the file you have found already) and set the “Value data” to 1 and then press “OK“. Take a look at the below image for a better understanding.
Step:5– Try to fast, switch user, you wouldn’t find any option to do that! That’s all!
In case you have to enable Fast User Switching in Windows 10, right-click the file we have created (or already have) and set the value to 0.
Method:2- Disable Fast user switching in Windows with Group Policy
This is my preferred method when I’ve to do a fast switch user. There is no special reason though, it is just I find it convenient. Take a look:
Step:1– Press Win + R and type “gpedit“
Step:2– Local Group Policy Editor will be opened as below.
Step:3– Go to the following path:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon.
Step:4– Look for the file that reads “Hide entry points for Fast User Switching“. Double click this file and you will see options like the below image.
Step:5– By default the “Not configured” radio button must be selected. Change it to “Enable” then click “Apply” and finally “Ok“
Congratulations, you have disabled fast user switching in Windows 10 using Registry Editor!
If you want to enable it, chose “Disable“.
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