Fast user switching: How to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10 to switch User Accounts
When a user logs onto a computer, the system loads the profile. Because each user has a unique user account, this allows multiple users to share a computer. When a user logs on, the desktop settings, files, favourites, and history they see are theirs; they cannot be accessed by other users. When that user logs off, their profile is preserved for the next time that they log on. In older operating systems, a user was required to log off before another user could log on. Instead, it is possible for multiple users to log on and switch quickly between their open accounts. This feature is referred to as fast user switching. Here is a similar guide on how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10 to switch User Accounts – Fast user switching (Session Disconnection Utility), and how to create a Desktop shortcut in Windows.
How to create a desktop shortcut in Windows
When a user logs onto a computer, the system loads the profile. Because each user has a unique user account, this allows multiple users to share a computer. When a user logs on, the desktop settings, files, favorites, and history they see are theirs; other users cannot access them. When that user logs off, their profile is preserved for the next time they log on. In older operating systems, a user was required to log off before another user could log on. Instead, it is possible for multiple users to log on and switch quickly between their open accounts. This feature is referred to as fast user switching.
Note: Switching to another account does not change the state of the applications that a user is currently running. Suppose, for instance, that one user allows another user to switch to their account while the first user is logged on. When the first user switches back to their account, their applications are running and their network connections are preserved. Therefore, it appears that both users are simultaneously using the computer.
If you ever feel the need to switch user account and do not want to use the Alt+F4, Cntl + Alt + Del, Start Menu etc., With Fast user switching, you can switch between user accounts without having to sign out as well. Here are the steps to have the built-in Session Disconnection Utility or tsdiscon.exe run on your desktop.
Locate the C:\Windows\System32\ folder
This file is referred to as the Session Disconnection Utility. This process disconnects the current session and can be used to create a shortcut to switch users.
Next, create a desktop shortcut as shown below
- Right-click on the desktop
- Click on New
- Click on Shortcut
Browse to the location or copy and paste
“C:\Windows\System32\tsdiscon.exe”
Click on Ok, and click on next as shown below
Give it a suitable name, here I will give it “Fast user switching”, and click on finish to complete it
This will now be available on the desktop as shown below
When you double-click on this desktop icon, this will automatically prompt a sign-in (login screen) window as shown below.
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.
