Switch to another user on your Mac without logging out

Why it happens

Normally you'd log out to let someone else use the Mac, which closes all your apps. Fast User Switching keeps your account running in the background while another person logs in. When you switch back, everything is exactly where you left it.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Menu Bar in the sidebar.

2. Under Menu Bar Controls, turn on Fast User Switching.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Fast User Switching

3. A new menu appears near the right end of the menu bar, showing your name or an icon. Click it and choose the person you want to switch to.

4. They type their own password, and their desktop opens. Your apps keep running behind the scenes.

5. To come back, click the same menu and choose your name, then enter your password.

Add User on macOS 26 is shown as Add User… on macOS 27. Everything else is the same.

Still not fixed?

1. Only your name in the list? The Mac needs a second user account. An administrator can add one in Users & Groups with Add User….

   macOS 26 Tahoe Users & Groups›Add User

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Users & Groups›Add User…

2. When the Mac is locked, you can switch from there too. Click Switch User on the lock screen, then pick the other person.

3. If switching feels slow, quit heavy apps in the account you're leaving. Both accounts share the same memory while they're logged in.

4. If the menu won't appear or switching hangs on a black screen, restart your Mac and try again. If that keeps happening, contact Apple Support.