Switch user shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Del on Windows, menu on Mac
To switch to another user without closing your apps: press Ctrl+Alt+Del and choose Switch user on Windows, or Win+L to lock then pick another account. Mac uses Fast User Switching from the menu bar; there's no default hotkey.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch user (keep session) | menu bar → user icon | Ctrl+Alt+Del → Switch user | |
| Lock then switch at login | ⌃⌘Q then pick user | Win+L | |
| Enable Fast User Switching (Mac) | System Settings → Control Center | — |
Switch user on Windows
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and choose Switch user, or press Win+L to lock and then click another account on the login screen. Your own session stays open in the background — apps and documents are untouched — while the other person signs in.
Switch user on Mac
macOS has no built-in switch-user hotkey. Turn on Fast User Switching in System Settings → Control Center, then click the account icon in the menu bar and pick the other user. Each session keeps its own open apps. To add a shortcut, create one with a tool like Raycast or a Shortcuts automation.
Why switch instead of log out
Switching keeps both users' apps and documents open, so you can hand the computer over and get your exact session back later. Logging out (Shift+Cmd+Q / Ctrl+Alt+Del → Sign out) closes everything.
FAQ
How do I switch users in Windows with the keyboard?
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select Switch user, or Win+L to lock and choose another account. Your session stays open.
Is there a switch-user shortcut on Mac?
No default hotkey. Enable Fast User Switching in Control Center and use the menu-bar account icon.
Will switching close my open apps?
No. Switching suspends your session with apps intact; only logging out closes them.