Screen: How to Log Off Windows 8

This updated guide examines Screen: How to Log Off Windows 8 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Using the Mouse and Keyboard

1. Save your work. Logging out of Windows will close your programs, so make sure any important work you are doing is saved.
2. Open the Shortcut Menu. Press?Win+Xto open this menu. You can open it on either the Desktop or the Start screen.
3. Sign out. Hover your mouse over "Shut down or sign out" and then click "Sign out". You will be logged out of Windows.
   • You can also pressCtrl+Alt+Deland select "Sign out" or "Switch user". If you select "Sign out" any programs you have open will be closed. If you select "Switch user", your session will be saved for the next time you log in.
4. Log in with another account. When you log out of Windows 8, you will be taken to the Lock screen. Click your mouse to bypass the lock screen and then click the account you want to log in as. If there is a password for the account, you will need to enter it now.

Method 2of 2:

Using a Touch Screen

1. Save your work. Logging out of Windows will close your programs, so make sure any important work you are doing is saved.
2. Open the Charms Bar. You can open this by swiping from right to left, starting at the far right of the screen. If you are already on the Start menu, skip down to Step 4.
   • If you aren't using a touch screen, you can open the Charms Bar by placing your mouse cursor in the upper- or lower-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap the Start button. This will open the Start screen. You can open this screen from anywhere in Windows.
   • You can open the Start screen by pressing the?Winkey if you have a keyboard connected to your touch screen device.
4. Sign out or switch accounts. Click your profile picture at the top of the Start screen. Select "Sign out" to close all of your active programs and sign out of Windows. Click another account name on the list to switch accounts, leaving your original account signed in.