How to Disable “Switch User” Option in Windows Vista and 7?

"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:

Download Script

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?

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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