Editing Fast user switching (section)

== In Microsoft Windows ==

Fast user switching in Windows is based on [[Remote Desktop Services]] technology.<ref>[http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294737 Architecture of Fast User Switching]</ref> In Windows XP, [[Graphical identification and authentication|GINA]] which is a component of [[Winlogon]], and with which fast user switching interacts, can be programmatically called to automate a fast user switch.<ref>[http://www.remkoweijnen.nl/blog/2008/11/26/executing-a-fast-user-switch-programmatically-part-1/ Executing a Fast User Switch programmatically – part 1]</ref> A [[Microsoft PowerToys|PowerToy]] known as ''Super fast user switcher'' was offered in 2002 by Microsoft. It allowed fast user switching using a keyboard hotkey (Win+Q) (similar to [[Alt-Tab]]) without even going to the ''Welcome screen''.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,10440,00.asp Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP]</ref> It was later made unavailable when the original set of PowerToys was replaced by updated versions, but still works with Windows XP SP3 (32-bit) when running as administrator.

In Windows Vista, GINA is replaced by ''Credential Providers''; however, they do not support programmatic initiation of fast user switching.<ref>[http://www.remkoweijnen.nl/blog/2008/11/26/executing-a-fast-user-switch-programmatically-part-2/ Executing a Fast User Switch programmatically – part 2]</ref>

In Windows XP, fast user switching was unavailable if the computer is on a [[Windows Server domain]] network or if [[Offline Files]] was enabled. [[Windows Vista]] and later no longer have these restrictions.<ref>[http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa480152.aspx The Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Developer Story: Application Compatibility Cookbook]</ref> Fast user switching is also not available on Windows XP if SerialKeys (an accessibility option that allows users to use speech augmentation devices) or Client Services for [[NetWare]] are installed.