Computer's are often shared between multiple users, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 makes it easier for users to share a computer using the Fast User Switching feature enabled, it allows more than one user to log on simultaneously at a single computer, if you are currently logged onto a computer, another user can log on to watch movies or play games, without you having to close your open programs and log off. Once the user is finished, you can return to your session with all your programs running.
** This process will work on Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well.
Method 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor
Click Start, type gpedit.msc in the Start Search or Run dialog box and press Enter.
Now navigate to the following location:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
To Disable Fast User Switching:
Set Hide entry points for Fast User Switching to Enabled. By enabling the policy, Administrators can hide the Switch user button in the Logon UI, the Start menu and the Task Manager.
To Enable Fast User Switching:
Set Hide entry points for Fast User Switching to not configured for enabling Fast User Switching.
Method 2: Using Registry
To change settings via registry, follow these simple steps:
Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search or Run dialog box and press Enter.
Navigate to the following branch:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System
Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named HideFastUserSwitching by right clicking on the right side of the editor and selecting New > DWORD(32bit) Value.
Set the Value data for HideFastUserSwitching to 1
** This process will work on Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well.