Disable Fast user switching in Vista

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Fast user switching is a feature on some modern multi-user operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista. It allows users to switch between user accounts on a single PC without quitting applications and logging out. Analogous functionality was first developed on consumer level hardware by the Xenix operating system which supported multiple virtual consoles.

In Windows XP, fast user switching is unavailable if the computer is on a domain network, thus not a consideration if looking to switch users in a hurry. However, it is available for domain computers starting with Windows Vista.

Method 1

Using Registry Editor

Start–>Run type regedit and click ok

Navigate to the following registry key from your left pane

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System

Now you need to Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value in right pane named HideFastUserSwitching

Now you need to Set the Value data for HideFastUserSwitching to 1

Close the Registry Editor.

Using Group Policy Editor

Start–>Run type gpedit.msc and click ok

Now you need to navigate the following key from left pane

Local Computer Policy|Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | System | Logon and double click on “Hide entry points for Fast User Switching”

Here you need to select Enable and click ok

By enabling using the group policy, Administrators hide the Switch user button in the Logon , the Start menu and the Task Manager. Note that the Group Policy Editor does not exist in certain editions of Windows Vista.