For a shared computer, it is common to have multiple user accounts. Windows 10 stores all the data based on the logged-in user account. Even if you are a single user, it is common to have multiple accounts separate for work and personal use. However, if you are taking a long break or want to let someone else access the computer, it is better to sign out of Windows 10.
Like many things in Windows, Microsoft offers multiple ways to sign out of Windows 10. However, starting with Windows 8, Microsoft has replaced log off with Sign out, so don’t confuse it if you see Sign Out instead.
Today, we will show you how to log off Windows 10 user accounts in different ways.
Method 1. Sign Out Of Windows 10 via the Start Menu
Windows 10 still comes with the old and trusted sign-out option integrated into the Start Menu. But, unfortunately, there is no sign-out option in the Power Options.
To sign out, click the Start menu and click on the User Profile. Then, click on the Sign Out option to log off the user account. You can also choose to switch the user account here.
When you sign out, Windows 10 will close all the applications on the current profile. So, make sure to close and save all the work before you attempt this stunt.
Method 2. Sign Out Of Windows 10 via the Quick Access Menu
The easiest way to sign out of Windows 10 is to use the Quick Access Menu. To do this, press the Windows key + X key on your keyboard. When the Quick Access Menu appears, go to Shut down or Sign out and choose Sign out.
The Quick Access Menu offers loads of other options that you can use to access power options and launch system apps and features.
Method 3. Log Off Windows 10 via the Shut Down Windows Dialog
The classic Windows shut down dialog is only accessible via the hotkey. Apart from shutting down your PC, you can use Shut Down Dialog to sign out of Windows 10.
To do this, make sure to minimize any open app on your desktop, as the Alt + F4 combo will minimize the open apps by default. Next, press the Alt + F4 key to launch the Shut Down Windows dialog.
The default action is set to Shut down. Click the drop-down menu and choose Sign out. Next, click OK to confirm the action and sign out of Windows 10.
Method 4. Log Out Of Windows 10 via the Ctrl+Alt+Del Option
Another hotkey-based way to sign out of Windows 10 use the Ctrl + Alt + Del option. To do this, make sure you have minimized the apps or close them.
Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del key on your keyboard. When the options pop up, click on Sign Out. Apart from logging off, this combo is helpful if an app stops responding. Use the combo to access the Task Manager and end the app process.
Method 5. Log Out Of Windows 10 Using Command Prompt
If you are a power user or like to do things in style, Command Prompt can help you sign out of Windows 10.
To do this, press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and click OK to open Command Prompt. Then, in Command Prompt, type shutdown -L and hit Enter. Windows will close all your open apps and then sign out of your account.
FAQs about Sign Out of Windows 10
How do I sign out other users on Windows 10?
To sign out other users, right-click on the Taskbar and choose Task Manager. In Task Manager, open the Users tab. Then, right-click on any user and choose Sign out.
How to sign out of a Microsoft account on Windows 10?
To sign out of a Microsoft account, you need to sign in to a local user account. Press Windows key + I to open Settings. Next, go to Account and click on Sign in with a local account instead. When the confirmation screen appears, click on Next and then enter your Microsoft account password or PIN. Then, enter your local account info, click Next and then click Sign out of and finish.
What happens when you sign out of Windows 10?
When you sign out of Windows 10, all the open apps will close, and any unsaved work will be lost. It allows another person to log in without shutting down your PC.
How do I remove a Windows account from my PC?
To remove a user account in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Account. Scroll down and then click on the account you want to delete. Next, click the Remove button and click Yes.
Conclusion
Microsoft offers many ways to sign out of Windows 10 user accounts. Having multiple options to perform an action can help you in a situation when one or more peripherals may stop working, or a certain Windows feature is inaccessible.
However, it is important to remember that logging out of your Windows 10 account will close all the running apps, and you may risk losing unsaved work. Therefore, always save the work and manually close the apps to avoid file corruption before signing out of your system.
