The available desktop environments such as GNOME or KDE Software Compilation adapt their graphical login and session manager (e.g. GDM, SDDM, LightDM, etc.)
For installations with older environments, the functionality must be enabled in the appropriate configuration files then a hot key sequence such as CTRL-ALT-F8 is pressed.
Fast user switching may potentially introduce various security-related complications,[citation needed] and is handled differently among operating systems, each having its advantages and disadvantages.
[5] It was later made unavailable when the original set of PowerToys was replaced by updated versions, but still works with Windows XP SP3 (32-bit) when running as administrator.
In Windows Vista, GINA is replaced by Credential Providers; however, they do not support programmatic initiation of fast user switching.