How to Stop Account Switching in Windows Start Menu Using Intune for Better Device Security?

Want a Trouble-Free Windows? How to Easily Show or Hide the Switch Account Option with Intune

Controlling who uses your Windows device matters for safety and smooth work. The “Switch Account” feature lets anyone change to a different account without fully signing out. This is helpful sometimes, but it can also lead to confusion, security risks, and even mistakes—especially if many people use the same PC or if sensitive files are left open.

Why Hide the Switch Account Option?

• Keeps devices safer by stopping users from secretly switching to other accounts.
• Reduces errors and confusion, making sure everyone uses only their assigned login.
• Helps admins track device activity—so you always know which account was used and when.
• Cuts down on problems linked to too many open user sessions, which can slow down your device or use up memory needlessly.

What You’ll Need: Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a tool that helps you manage and protect devices in your organization. With Intune, you can create a policy to hide or show the Switch Account button right from the Start Menu. Here’s how to do it in very simple steps.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Open Microsoft Intune Admin Center

Go to the website or app for Microsoft Intune.

Step 2. Start a New Policy

1. Click on Devices.
2. Pick Configuration Profiles.
3. Click on + Create and select + New Policy.

Step 3. Choose Your System and Profile Type

1. Set the platform as Windows 10 and later.
2. For profile type, pick Settings catalog.

Step 4. Basic Setup

Give your policy a name. For example, “Hide Switch Account Option.” Description is optional but helps you remember what the policy does.

Step 5. Find the Exact Setting

1. Go to the Configuration tab.
2. Click on + Add settings.
3. In the search or category, look for Start Menu settings.
4. Select Hide Switch Account.

Step 6. Decide: Hide or Show

Enable the setting to hide the option from users. Leave it disabled if you want people to keep using Switch Account.

Step 7. Assign the Policy

1. Pick who should get this policy (for example, all staff, or just students).
2. Add needed groups under Assignments.

Step 8. Finish and Activate

1. Review your choices.
2. Click Create.

What Happens Next?

• The policy pushes out to all devices in the groups you choose.
• When users sign in, the Switch Account button in the Start Menu will be gone (or returned if you show it).
• To check if it worked, you can look at the device’s Event Viewer (it shows success events like codes 813 or 814).

For Extra Control: Use OMA-URI Custom Settings

You can use a manual method too, called OMA-URI. Here’s what you need:

1. Go to Devices > Configuration > Create Policy.
2. Pick Windows 10 or later and then Templates > Custom.
3. Add a new setting with:
   • OMA-URI path: ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Start/HideSwitchAccount
   • Value: 1 to hide, 0 to show.
4. Save and assign to your group.

How to Remove or Delete the Policy

To stop hiding the Switch Account option, open your policy in the Intune portal and choose Edit, then Remove on the Assignments tab.

To delete it forever, click the three dots (menu) next to your policy and choose Delete.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Positive: Fewer mistakes, better record-keeping, improved security, and compliance with company rules.

Negative: If you hide it on shared or kiosk computers, users may get locked out if the assigned account has problems. Consider your organization’s needs before turning this on everywhere.

Controlling the Switch Account feature using Intune is simple. It helps you manage who can use your devices, improves security, and makes Windows easier for everyone. This policy is fully supported on Windows 10 (version 1703 and above) and Windows 11.