Windows 7: Switch User vs. Logging Off

I have noticed recently that there is some confusion about the Switch User and Log Off options in Windows 7.

When you LOG OFF the computer, you are disconnecting yourself from your network connection. All of your programs are closed and you'll need to log back in to the network and open everything again if you want to begin working on that computer again.

Select LOG OFF if you are done with the network connection. See the image below:



If you use the SWITCH USER option, you maintain your network connection and can keep your programs open, while allowing another user to log in to that computer.

When you select SWITCH USER, you will return to the Welcome screen. If another user wants to log in, he would press CTRL+ALT+DEL | click SWITCH USER | OTHER USER and type his login information.

This is handy for teachers who share a classroom computer with other users. Use the Switch User option so that you can quickly switch back and forth throughout the day without going through the entire log in process and network connection over and over again.




Let me know if you have any questions or comments!