windows xp - Enabling "fast user switching" for XP domain PC for when a session is locked

07
2014-07
  • Austin ''Danger'' Powers

    We have a shared PC which is often left unattended for long enough for it to go to the lock screen.

    Other users who need to use it are confronted with the lock screen (which does not have the "switch user" option) and cannot do any work.

    How can I make it possible for other users to log in as themselves despite the initial user's session being locked? (This is a domain XP workstation and the "switch user" option is not available at the lock screen.)

    • Answers
  • Patrick S.

    Fast User Switching simply is not available on Windows XP computers that are joined to a domain. Windows Vista and 7 support Fast User Switching on domain computers. (I'm guessing Windows 8 does also, but cannot verify.)

    See also:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279765

    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/oldnewthing/archive/2003/11/21/55799.aspx


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    • Related Answers
  • Tomas Markauskas

    In Preferences under Accounts > "Login Options" you can enable fast user switching by selecting the "Show fast user switching menu as: [Icon, Name, Short name]". After that you should see an user menu on the menubar. Just select "Login window" and you'll be able to login as another user without logging out.

  • cybertoast

    The answer for command-line based enabling of switching is also quite relevant. Posting here as a cross-reference.