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

Using the Contact Support App

Windows 10 has a built-in Contact Support app that you can use to look up possible answers to issues you're having and ...

Discover More

Backing Up the Windows Registry

Windows wouldn't function if it weren't for the Registry. It's important, therefore, to back it up�"especially before ...

Discover More

Displaying the Number of Files or Folders within a Folder

You can easily determine how many files and folders there are within a folder by making quick use of Windows Explorer or ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing Your Windows 8 Account Picture

Want to personalize your Windows 8 experience a bit more? One way is by attaching a picture to your account, as discussed ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Your Windows 7 Password

When you get rid of your Windows login password, you accomplish two things. First, you make it easier to log onto your ...

Discover More

Changing a User's Account Type

There are several different account types in Windows. This tip tells you how to change from one account type to another.

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 6 + 9?

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


Newest Tips