Using the Sign Out Feature

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 27, 2017)

If you click Start and then click the Power button, chances are you'll only see options to Sleep, Shut Down, or Restart. If you merely want to logout and login as a different user, there's no need to reboot your machine. To sign out of Windows without shutting down the machine, first click Start. Then on the left side of the menu you'll see an icon that represents you. In the following figure, "I" am represented by the top icon that's a tiny beach umbrella with two chairs: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Selecting "me."

When you click "your" icon, you'll see options for "Change Account Settings," "Lock," and "Sign Out." You can then sign out, and you'll be presented with the login screen.

By the way, you can also sign out by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and choosing "Sign Out" from the choices that appear. I just thought that going through the Start menu was more esoteric.

 This tip (1676) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Seeing which Files are Compressed

Compressed files can make it easier to store a lot of information on a hard drive. However, compressed files aren't that ...

Discover More

Using the Event Viewer to Examine Remote Event Logs

Assuming you have proper access to remote computers, you can examine their event logs from your system without much ...

Discover More

Using Process Monitor

A very useful tool in diagnosing what is going on with processes and/or files is the Process Monitor tool from ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing an Account's Picture

You may want to customize your account so that it uses a picture of your own choosing. This tip tells you how to change ...

Discover More

Understanding the Guest Account

If lots of people may need temporary access to your computer, then you may want to set up the Guest user account. Before ...

Discover More

Understanding User Account Control

User Account Control is a security mechanism that defends against malware or accidents from making system-level changes ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight less than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.