How to Disable Fast User Switching

ByHarshwardhan

Is more than one person using your computer? Chances are, you have multiple user accounts enabled on your PC for each user. Using a separate account for each person helps maintain privacy.

It also keeps separate application settings, files, system permissions, and browsers. As a result, any change made by one user does not affect the other accounts and enables users to set their preferences.

It is also relatively simple to switch users or change between accounts. In addition, users can set up passwords on each account for increased security.

What is Fast User Switching?

Fast user switching is an option on Windows 10 OS, Mac Os, and Linux Os, allowing you to switch quickly to another user account without quitting applications or logging off.

Thanks to fast user switching, you can remain logged in to a PC and keep your applications running while multiple users simultaneously use it. You can switch to another account and continue working without interrupting any other user.

Users can sign in to their accounts without others being automatically signed off or logged out.

When and Why to Disable Fast User Switching?

Fast user switching is a valuable feature for users on a shared computer. However, it does come with its own set of drawbacks.

If multiple users are signed in, you cannot shut down your computer, or all others may lose their data or unsaved work.

Moreover, each currently running account keeps utilizing the system’s entry, power, and memory. Therefore, depending on your hardware’s capacity, it may result in a delayed user experience.

Therefore, if you want, you can disable Fast User Switching to hide the Switch user interface (hide entry points) for all users. Unfortunately, this will conceal entry points for users on the Start menu, and each user will have to save their work and log off before the next person can start.

How to Disable Fast User Switching?

There are a few easy ways to disable the option of fast user switching. First, it will hide entry points for all accounts and users. The method varies for different operating systems.

Disable Fast User Switching for Windows Professional

This method allows switching between Windows 10 Professional, Windows 7, and higher operating software. For example, the following is a straightforward way of using Group Policy.

  • Open the Start menu or press ‘R’ and the Windows sign simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type in “gpedit” and press Enter. You will see ‘Edit group policy’ on the top. Select it to open options.
  • A new window will open Local Group Policy Editor.
  • On the left pane, you will see a list of options. Select local computer policy.
  • Then, select computer configuration.
  • In the dropdown menu, select administrative templates.
  • Click on the system folder.
  • Finally, click on the Logon folder to open a subfolder on the left side of the screen.
  • In the Subfolder on the left side, locate and select ‘Hide entry points for fast user switching.’ Then, double-click on it or press enter, and a new window will pop up.
  • Now you have to set the option to ‘Enabled’ and left-click on Apply.

Once done, you may need to restart your computer, and the fast user switching feature will be disabled.

It is essential to note that this method hides all switch user interfaces from the Start menu, Task manager, and Sign-in screen. Thus, it does not disable user switching; it only hides the points, so you have to sign off to see other accounts.

Disable Fast User Switching for Windows 1o Home

If you are using Windows 10 home, the method mentioned above will not work since you can’t access the Group Policy. Nevertheless, you can enable or disable fast user switching in Registry Editor.

Before you proceed, it is essential to note that the Registry Editor is a somewhat complicated tool. Any wrong change or editing in the registry can lead to dire consequences. So ensure you follow the instructions correctly, or you might lose crucial data.

Most importantly, create a backup of any valuable data in case of problems.

Use the following way to edit the Registry in Windows 10 home to disable fast user switching. Remember, you can only make changes to the Registry if you are signed in as administrator.

  • Press the Windows key+R or open up the Run dialog box.
  • Type ‘regedit’ ( Registry Editor) and press enter.
  • Right-click on it and select run as administrator.
  • A user account control prompt will pop up in a few seconds—Left-click on Yes to permit it to change the computer.
  • You are now on the Registry Editor window. On the left pane, double-click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
  • On the dropdown menu, expand SOFTWARE>MICROSOFT>WINDOWS>CURRENT VERSION>POLICIES>SYSTEM.
  • Once you double-click on System on the right pane, you will see HideFastUserSwitching.
  • If you don’t see the option, you can create it. Right-click on the System folder, click on New, and then select the Dword (32-bit) value. Now you have to create a new value inside the system key. When you see the box, type ‘HideFastUserSwitching.’
  • Double-click on ‘HideFastUserSwitching’ to open its properties.
  • A dialog box will appear Edit Dword (32-bit) value. You have to change the value in the box here.
  • Under Value Data, erase the previous entry and type 1. Make sure there are no errors or spaces.
  • Double Click Ok.

Once you have completed the steps, reboot your computer to see that you have successfully disabled fast user switching. You will no more see multiple accounts on the Start tab. Instead, you will have to log out before another user can sign in or if you want to switch between accounts.

While on the User Registry tab, avoid making other changes to prevent accidental damage to the processor.

Disable Fast User Switching for Mac Os

Fast user switching is a helpful feature on your Apple device. However, the method is pretty simple if you want to disable it.

  • Click on the apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
  • Select System preferences.
  • Next, Select the Dock and Menu bar.
  • In the following menu, scroll down and locate Fast User Switching.
  • On the right side, you will see two options. The first is ‘Show in menu bar’ and the second is ‘Show in Control Centre.’
  • Disable both options by deselecting them and pressing Done.

Conclusion

Fast user switching between multiple accounts is a convenient feature on your computer. However, at times it can make your computer slow and decrease productivity. It’s effortless to enable or disable the fast user switching option.

Use the Local Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor to hide/show entry points quickly.

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