Table of contents

Picture this scenario. You created different user accounts so that each user can log in separately and work on their files and applications. This way, each account won’t interfere with the personal information and applications of other users.

But one day, the moment arrives when you need to seamlessly switch between these carefully crafted accounts, only to be met with an unexpected roadblock – other users don’t exist.

This issue is widespread, and many Windows 10/11 users have been complaining about it. If you are having the same problem, you’re in good hands.

In this post, we explain how to show the Switch User option in Windows 10/11.

What’s the Switch User Feature?

The Windows OS comes with various useful features that allow users to use it seamlessly regardless of the computer brand. One such feature is Switch User.

It allows users to share the same computer by creating multiple user accounts so that they can separately log in to their own accounts to access files or use apps.

Also Read: How to set auto login in Windows 11/10?

So long as they have the correct credentials, one can create multiple accounts on the same PC and log in without problems. 

For instance, a user may have five user accounts on the same computer – three administrator accounts and two local accounts – and use them flawlessly.

You can switch users using various methods:

  • From the Start menu, click on your profile icon and select the user account that you want to switch to from the drop-down menu.
  • Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delkeyboard shortcuts and select Switch User.
  • Press the Win + Lkeyboard shortcut to get to the lock screen and select the user account that you want to access.
  • Via the Task Manager, by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Escon your keyboard, go to the Users tab and select the user account that you want to access.

How to Fix the “Switch User” Option Is Missing on Windows 10/11

What if the Switch User button is missing on Windows 10/11? Sometimes, the feature goes missing, which means that you can’t switch user accounts.

Most users said that the trouble started after upgrading to Windows 10/11 , and it seems to affect different versions of Windows 10/11 systems.

If you’re having the same problem, here’s how to fix it:

Fix 1: Configure the local users and groups option

Also Read: Ultimate Guide: How to Create a New User on Windows 10 and 11

Fix 2: Configure Windows Group policy

If this fix doesn’t work, let’s try to modify the Windows Registry.

Also Read: Group Policy Essentials: How to Access and Use Windows Group Policy Editor?

Fix 3: Edit the Windows registry

Here’s how to enable another user in Windows 10/11 through the registry:

Warning

Applying changes to the Windows Registry can be risky. Therefore, follow the steps below carefully and only make the changes as outlined. 

We recommend that you first create a backup of your registry to make it easy to restore it in case something goes wrong.

 

Also Read: Ultimate Guide: Why and How to Defrag Windows Registry?

Fix 4: Create a desktop shortcut to switch user accounts

You can create a desktop shortcut to switch between users based on tsidiscon. This method, however, is only applicable to Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions.

  • Right-click on a blank area of ​​your desktop and choose New.
Fix 4: Create a desktop shortcut to switch user accounts 1
  • Shortcuts can be found in the context menu’s submenu.
  • In the location text box, type %windir%\System32\tsdiscon.exeand click Next.
Fix 4: Create a desktop shortcut to switch user accounts 2
  • To make the shortcut’s title, type Switch User Account.
Fix 4: Create a desktop shortcut to switch user accounts 3
  • To add the Switch User Account shortcut, click Finish.

To return to the login screen, double-click your new Switch User Account shortcut on the desktop. You can then sign in to a different account.

How to change the image icon for the shortcut

If you want, you can change the icon for the Switch User Account shortcut. There are some user-themed icons available in imageres.dll. You can choose an imageres.dllicon for your shortcut as follows:

  • Select Properties by right-clicking on the Switch User Account.
  • On the Shortcut tab, click Change Icons.
  • Select the Browse.
  • Then navigate to the imageres.dll file in the C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll
  • Select the Open.
  • Select an appropriate user account icon and press the OK.
  • To change the icon of your shortcut, click the Apply.
  • To close the shortcut’s properties window, click OK.

PRO TIP

If you prefer, the desktop shortcut can be in the taskbar or the Start menu. Right-click the Switch User Account shortcut and select Show More Options.

On the classic context menu, select the Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start menu option. The Switch User Account shortcut can then be removed from the desktop by right-clicking it and selecting Delete.

Fix 5: Safely repair registry errors

The Windows Registry is a vast database that contains configuration settings for everything that’s installed on your PC, including applications, programs, and hardware. 

Every time you install an application, new values ​​and keys are embedded in the registry database. The opposite is true when uninstalling a program. That is, the keys and values ​​are deleted from the database.

Sometimes, these entries are not properly added to the registry. Meanwhile, if you’re uninstalling a program, the system, for various reasons, may fail to delete them properly.

For the most part, these remnants may not cause any issues until they accumulate over time.

You may run into various PC issues like Windows failing to boot or serious problems like the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error.

PRO TIP
To help prevent potential risks to your registry, we recommend using a reliable tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed ’ s Registry Cleaner.

Developed with precision and accuracy, Registry Cleaner ensures that all duplicate, invalid, and orphaned entries are removed, keeping your registry lean and errors at bay.

Plus, Auslogics BoostSpeed comes with numerous tools to keep your PC performing at its best.

Download for Free Learn More

Learn More: Tricks to Get the Most out of Auslogics BoostSpeed ​​Free Trial

“Switch User” Option Is Missing on Windows 10/11: Fixed

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve the missing “Switch User” option in Windows 10/11 while also safeguarding your system’s registry integrity.

Remember that altering system settings carries inherent risks, so proceed with care and always consider creating backups before making changes.

FAQ

To log in as an administrator without a password on Windows 10, you need to disable the password requirement for your account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change under Password , and follow the prompts.

Changing the username in Windows 11 involves changing the account name. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Edit name , then enter the new username and save it.

To sign out of a computer using the keyboard, press the Windows key + L. This locks the screen, and from there, you can choose to sign out .

From the Windows 10 lock screen, click Other user and then Add a user . Follow the prompts to create a new user account without logging into an existing account.