How to Restore the 'Switch User' Option in Windows 10/11

Windows OS offers a range of practical features, and "Switch User" is one such function. It facilitates the sharing of a single PC among multiple users by creating distinct user accounts. This feature enables different individuals to log in using their respective accounts, granting access to applications or files. It also prevents unauthorized intrusion or interference with the apps or personal information of other users who are working on the computer.

Sometimes, you might need assistance in smoothly utilizing this feature on your PC. For instance, you might encounter an issue where the "Switch User" option is missing in Windows 10/11, which prevents you from using it. In such cases, we recommend three of the most effective solutions to promptly resolve the problem and restore the ability to have multiple login sessions.

What Does the Absence of the "Switch User" Option Mean in Windows 10/11?

Sometimes, you might create multiple user accounts for a separate login utility to provide freedom while working on apps and files. However, on one occasion, when you attempt to switch to another user account, you discover that the other users seem to have vanished.

Therefore, when the "Switch User" option disappears in Windows 10/11, you can no longer access that specific user account or the files and applications saved specifically for that account. It's a fairly common issue, and you can resolve the missing "Switch User" option in Windows 10/11 without needing professional assistance.

1. Solution 1: Enabling the Option for Fast User Switching
2. Solution 2: Configuring Windows Group Policy
3. Solution 3: Enabling the Built-in Administrator Account

Solution 1: Enabling the Option for Fast User Switching To enable fast user switching on your computer, follow these steps: 1. **Access the Control Panel**: Click on the Start menu, then type "Control Panel" in the search bar and open it. 2. **Choose User Accounts**: In the Control Panel, look for "User Accounts" or "User Accounts and Family Safety" (depending on your Windows version) and click on it. 3. **Modify User Account Settings**: In the User Accounts window, select "Change user account settings." 4. **Enable Fast User Switching**: In the next window, locate the option "Allow users to switch between accounts without logging off." If it's not already checked, click the checkbox next to it. 5. **Apply Changes**: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. 6. **Restart Your Computer**: To ensure the changes take effect, restart your computer. After following these steps, the fast user switching option should be enabled, allowing multiple users to use the same computer without requiring each person to log out completely.

Occasionally, you might encounter the issue of the "Switch User" option being absent in Windows 10 or 11. This problem typically arises due to incorrect configuration of certain settings on your computer. To resolve this issue, you'll need to modify settings associated with administrative levels to enable fast user switching through the Windows Registry. Before proceeding with the steps, it's advisable to create a backup of your registry. Additionally, make sure you're logged in as an administrator on your PC to gain access to the Registry.

Useful Steps:

Step 1: Begin by pressing the Windows and R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Proceed by typing "regedit" in the provided field and press "Enter."

Step 3: As soon as the User Account Control prompt appears, tap on the "Yes" option.

Step 4: Once you're in the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Step 5: If you can't obtain the "System key," right-click on the 'Policy key,' then select "New" and "Key."

Step 6: Proceed by renaming the key to "System."

Translation:

Step 7: Next, navigate to the right pane by selecting "System Key."

Step 8: Next, right-click anywhere in the right pane, and proceed by selecting "New" and then the 'DWORD (32-bit) Value' option.

Step 9: Rename the key to "HidefastUserSwitching."

Step 10: Double-tap on "HidefastUserSwitching," and then proceed by typing "0" in the Value data field.

Step 11: Tap the "OK" option to save the changes.

Step 12: As a final step, exit the Registry Editor, then restart your PC to complete the process.

Solution 2: Configuration of Windows Group Policy

Windows Group Policy encompasses all the operating system controls that govern the working environment for user accounts. It also offers centralized management, allowing operations to be handled while applying security settings. For instance, you can use Windows Group Policy to configure and resolve issues where the "Switch User" option is missing in Windows.

Useful Steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R (which will open the Run window), type 'gpedit.msc' and press Enter.

Step 2: On the next screen, you will encounter the Local Group Policy window. From there, you need to navigate through the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon

Step 3: Next, double-click on the "Hide Entry Points for Fast User Switching" option to open it.

Step 4: Choose "Disabled" to enable the option.

Step 5: Tap on "Apply" and then on the "OK" option.

Step 6: Now exit the Local Group Policy Editor window, and then check if the "Switch User" option has been restored in Windows 10/11.

If you didn't have any luck with that method, try the following option to resolve the issue.

Solution 3: Enabling the Built-in Administrator Account

Sometimes, to resolve the missing "Switch User" option in Windows 10/11, you can troubleshoot by working with the current user account. To do this, you need to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools through the Recovery options menu. Afterward, run these utilities via the Command Prompt, where they will scan your PC to identify any potential issues. However, if this doesn't help, it's advisable to enable the built-in administrator account in Windows, and also consider creating a new user account.

Useful Steps:

Step 1: Begin by opening the sign-in screen, then press and hold the "Shift key." Next, restart your PC.

Step 2: You'll notice that Windows is now booting into the "Recovery menu." From the list of available options, select "Troubleshoot."

Step 3: Navigate to "Advanced Options" and then "Command Prompt."

Step 4: After locating the Command Prompt, type the provided command and press "Enter" to execute it.

"net user administrator /active: yes" translates to: "Net user administrator /active: yes"

Step 5: Once your command has been executed, restart your PC. Afterwards, log in using the built-in administrator account.

Step 6: Press the "Win + I" keys to open Windows Settings.

Step 7: Refer to the left pane and select the "Accounts" option.

Step 8: Tap on the "Family & Other Users" option.

Step 9: From the section for other users, tap on the "Add Account" option. It will be associated with the "Add another user" option.

Step 10: You will now see a dialog where you need to tap on the "I don't have this person's sign-in information" option.

Step 11: Next, tap on the hyperlink that says "Add a user without a Microsoft account." Fill in all the required fields.

Step 12: You'll see some instructions on the screen that you need to follow.

Step 13: Once your new user account is created, log in to it and check if the issue has been resolved.

Conclusion

The "Switch User" feature in Windows is beneficial when multiple users work on diverse tasks, ensuring privacy and security for their individual work. However, occasionally this option may vanish or be removed, disrupting the efficiency gained by the user. Nevertheless, by employing specific troubleshooting methods, you can resolve this issue. We trust that by following the methods outlined above, you will be able to seamlessly fix the problem of the missing "Switch User" option in Windows.