Fast User Switching

Information

Fast User Switching or Switch User is a feature in Windows that allows you to switch to a different computer user account without closing programs and files first, and then be able to switch back where you left off. This makes it easier to share a computer with others. Fast User Switching is enabled by default. This will show you how to add or remove Switch User from the Start menu, CTRL+ALT+DEL screen, and Task Manager for all user accounts or only the current user account on the computer.

Tip

If you want to add or remove Lock and Switch User from the Start menu, then see: How to Add or Remove Lock and Switch User from the Start Menu in Vista

• How to Remove or Show the Start Menu Shutdown Options in Vista
• How to Shutdown, Restart, Switch User, Log Off, Sleep, or Lock Vista from the Keyboard
• How to Customize the Start Menu in Vista
• How to Add or Remove Log Off from the Ctrl+Alt+Delete Screen in Vista
• How to Add or Remove Log Off from the Start Menu in Vista
• How to Add or Remove Lock and Switch User from the Start Menu in Vista
• How to Create a Switch User Desktop Shortcut in Vista
• How to Add or Remove Change Password from the Vista Ctrl+Alt+Delete Screen

Before.jpgAfter.jpg

NOTE

This method is only available for the Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions. See Method Two below for the Vista Home Basic and Home Premium editions.

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
3. Click Continue for the UAC prompt.
4. In the left pane, click on Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, Logon. (See screenshot below step 5)
5. In the right pane, right click on Hide entry points for Fast User Switching and click Properties.

Group_Policy.jpg

6. To Add Switch User Back to All Users -

A) Dot Disabled or Not Configured and click OK. (See screenshot below step 7)
B) Go to step 8.

7. To Remove Switch User for All Users -

A) Dot Enabled and click OK.

GP_Properties.jpg

8. Close Local Group Policy Editor window. Your done.

NOTE

This method will work for all Vista versions.

Through a Download:
1. To Remove Switch User for All Users -

A) Click on the download button below to download the Remove_All_Switch_User.reg file.
B) Go to step 4.

2. To Remove Switch User for Current User Only -

A) Click on the download button below to download the Remove_Current_Switch_User.reg file.
B) Go to step 4.

3. To Add Switch User for All Users -

A) Click on the download button below to download the Add_All_Switch_User.reg file.

4. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the Desktop.
5. Right click on the .reg (on Desktop) file and click Merge.
6. Click on the Run button for Security Warning pop-up.
7. Click on Continue (UAC), Yes, and then OK when prompted.
8. Logoff and logon, or restart the computer to apply the changes.
9. When done, you can delete the .reg file (on Desktop).


The Manual Way:
1. Open the Start Menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type regedit and press Enter.
3. Click the Continue button for the UAC prompt.

OPTION ONE:
To Add or Remove Switch User for All Users

4. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
NOTE: If you do not have System, then right click on Polices and click on New and Key, then type System and press Enter.

5. To Remove Switch User -

A) In the right pane of the System key, right click on a empty area and click New and click DWORD (32 bit) Value.
B) Type HideFastUserSwitching and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
C) Right click on HideFastUserSwitching and click Modify. (See screenshot below)

Finished.jpg

D) Type 1 and click OK. (See screenshot below)

Modify.jpg

E) Go to step 8.

6. To Add Switch User -

A) Right click on HideFastUserSwitching and click Delete. (See screenshot below step 5C)
B) Click Yes to confirm the delete.
C) Go to step 8.

OPTION TWO:
To Add or Remove Switch User for Current User Only

7. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
NOTE: If you do not have System, then right click on Polices and click New -> Key, then type System and press Enter.

A) Repeat step 5 or 6 above.

HKCU_REG.jpg

8. Close regedit.
9. Logoff and logon, or restart the computer to apply the changes.