How to Log Out of Windows 7

Last Updated: June 4, 2020 Tested

Logging out of Windows 7 lets you switch user accounts without having to restart your computer. The process is fairly simple. Begin by reading step 1 below.

Steps

1
Open the Start
menu. This can be achieved by clicking the multicolored Windows 7 Start orb at the bottom-left of your screen.
- You can also press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
2
Press the button labeled as Log off (or the ⯈ arrow if you don't see that button). If Log off is displayed, press it and you'll log off. If you don't see it, you'll need to open the arrow submenu by clicking ⯈.

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3
Select Log off from the submenu.
- Skip this step and move to the next one if you already logged off in the previous step.
4
Click the button Force log off if prompted. If not, skip this step.
5
Wait while your computer logs off your account. You will see a message that says "Logging off" next to a loading icon. This shouldn't take more than 5 seconds.
6
Log into another account or leave your PC. Click a user profile image to log in to an account, and enter the password if the account has one. To log into an unlisted account, click "Other User" and type the username (and password if the account has one).
- Nobody has access to your account unless it doesn't have a password. Learn How to Set a Windows Password to keep your info and files safe from others.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I create a new login on Windows 7?

Community Answer

Click Start, then Control Panel. Next, select User Accounts, then Manage Another Account and finally Create New Account. For more information, see the article on How to Make New User Accounts in Windows 7.