"Switch User" feature was introduced in Windows XP which allows one user to switch to other user without ending the current session. Its a very useful feature and also available in Windows Vista and 7.
Many system administrators might want to disable this feature to restrict end-users. If the users are using Windows XP, its very easy task. You can disable "Switch User" option using "User Accounts" applet in Control Panel.
But its not that easy under Windows Vista and 7 as there is no such option available anywhere in Control Panel. So how to disable "Switch User" option in Vista and 7?
Although its hard but not impossible. It can be done using Group Policy Editor as well as Registry Editor. So here we are sharing both methods which can be used to disable "Switch User" option in Windows Vista and 7:

A. Disable "Switch User" Option Using Group Policy Editor:
1. Type gpedit.msc in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Group Policy Editor.
2. Now go to:
Local Computer Policy -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Logon
3. In right-side pane, double-click on "Hide entry points for Fast User Switching" option and set it to Enabled.

4. That's it. Now "Switch User" option will be disabled from Welcome screen as well as from Shutdown menu.
B. Disable "Switch User" Option Using Registry Editor:
Since Group Policy Editor doesn't come with some specific Windows Vista and 7 editions, here is another method to disable "Switch User" option using Registry Editor:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value HideFastUserSwitching and set its value to 1

4. That's it. Now "Switch User" option will be disabled from Welcome screen as well as from Shutdown menu.
PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted .REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
NOTE: If you want, you can enable Group Policy Editor in Windows 7 Home Basic and other editions using following tutorial:
How to Enable “Group Policy Editor” in Windows 7 Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter Editions?
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista.
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Jens Jødal
Nice Tutorial! Thanks VG :)
MAGNUMHEART
hi vg. do u know
how to hack the save and open dialog box
that appears commonly when saving files.
or do u have a windows 7 mock up dialog box for xp.
and by the way is there a possiblity to change the filmstrip preview pane
in the explorer. i wish to put it in the right side like
the preview pane in windows 7. ^^
thx much. pls reply on my question regarding themes.
http://www.askvg.com/windows-7-family-pack-and-windows-anytime-upgrade-wau-pricing-announced/comment-page-2/#comment-52867
:P
VG
^^ The dialog box is stored in "%windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll" file as mentioned in following topic:
http://www.askvg.com/list-of-files-to-be-hacked-using-resource-hacker/
And I have no idea about Filmstrip preview pane.
sourabh
Gr8 job VG....
Raza
VG, I cant find gpedit.msc
VG
^^ You can try the other method using Registry Editor. gpedit.msc is not included in some specific Windows editions like Home, etc.
el7cosmos
Great tutorial, this is what i looking for! Thanks VG, its work for me...
zeljko
I can not thank you enough for this explanation for switch user disabling!!!
Wish you a happy life Man!!!
Rick
This just disables users from using the feature it does not shut it off! XP allowed you to stop the service but we can find no way to do that in Windows 7. This keeps all user profiles active till a reboot. So there is no way to delete profiles till the system is rebooted. MS does it again, breaking features that Admins use and rely on!
hendrick
thank's for the information
its useful for me...
GBU