How to Switch Users Without the Start Menu
Most of the time, switching the logged-in user in Windows involves the first user logging out of the system and the second user logging in. However, Windows Vista allows simultaneous user sessions, meaning more than one user can be logged into the same system at the same time. Rather than logging out, the first user simply uses the "Switch User" command to allow the second user to log in. Though this can be accomplished via a series of Start menu commands, there is actually a quicker and easier way.
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Instructions
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Press the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Del" keys simultaneously to bring up a menu within the Vista operating system which allows you to log off, switch users, lock the computer, change your password or start the Task Manager. You can also shut down or restart the computer from this screen.
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Select "Switch User" from the menu to bring up the main log-in screen without logging out the current user.
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Enter the log-in credentials for the user you wish to sign in as on the system. Windows will process the credentials and log you in, and your desktop will come up as normal.
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Tips & Warnings
Switching users this way keeps the first user's programs running. While this can be a good thing---it allows the user to return to what they were doing without an interruption or time delay in restarting applications---it can occasionally create problems for the second user, as certain programs will only allow one active user session at a time.
