By default Win d ows 8 will show you the main account when you boot up but that’s not helpful when you have multiple users. Here’s how to change the user account on Windows 8 start up.
If you remember the good old days of Windows 7 and being able to have the whole family lined up on the log in screen, everyone with their own user account, then you might be a bit annoyed with the way Windows 8 works.
When you boot up a Windows 8 laptop or PC , you’ll see a lock screen which need to be moved with before you can log into your account. It will only show the main account here unless you click the back button (left pointing arrow) next to your account profile picture (see above).
While that might be frustrating, it’s the easiest way to view all the available accounts. However, there is something you can do to change this. In the user accounts section of the control panel you can force the old-school Ctrl+Alt+Delete method for sign in which when done on the lock screen will take you through to all the accounts.
How to change the user account on Windows 8 start up
Step One
On an admin account, open the control panel. This is accessed by the settings section of the Charms bar.
Step Two
Click on User Accounts in the list.
Step Three
Click ‘Manage User Accounts’.
Step Four
Click the ‘Advanced’ tab at the top of the window.

Step Five
Tick the box in the ‘Secure sign-in’ box at the bottom and click ‘OK’.
Here’s what you’ll see after the changes
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor

Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
Recent stories by Chris Martin:
- What is Raylo? Phone and tech subscription explained
- Sky Q vs Glass vs Stream vs Now: Which TV plan should you get?
- Ninja Luxe Café Pro review: The coffee machine for wannabe baristas