For Windows, the sign out shortcut key is Ctrl + Alt + Delete, followed by Sign out on the blue screen. Another quick route is Win + X, then U, then I, pressed one after another, which signs out from the power user menu without touching the mouse.
Signing out closes all your programs and returns to the sign in screen, so another person can use their own account. If you only want to step away, lock the screen with Win + L instead; your programs stay open.
Quick facts
Sign out
Ctrl + Alt + Delete, Sign outPower user menu
Win, then X, then U, then IDesktop route
Win + D, Alt + F4, Sign outLock instead
Win + LMac log out
Command + Shift + Q
Sign out shortcut key methods
| Method | Keys |
|---|---|
| Security screen | Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then Sign out |
| Power user menu | Win + X, U, I |
| Shut Down dialog | Win + D, Alt + F4, choose Sign out |
| Start menu | Click your account picture, then Sign out |
The Alt + F4 method only shows the Shut Down Windows box when the desktop is active, which is why Win + D comes first; otherwise it closes the window in front. See shutdown shortcut key for the full dialog.
Sign out, lock, switch user: the difference
| Choice | Your programs | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Lock | Stay open | Stepping away for a few minutes |
| Switch user | Stay open in the background | Someone else needs the PC briefly |
| Sign out | Close | You are done for the day on a shared PC |
| Shut down | Close | Turning the computer off |
Locking is explained in lock screen shortcut. Switch user is on the Ctrl + Alt + Delete screen too and keeps your session waiting, which uses memory but saves reopening everything later.
Log out shortcut key on a Mac
Command + Shift + Q shows a log out confirmation, which waits 60 seconds before logging out on its own. Command + Option + Shift + Q logs out straight away without asking, so save your work first. Locking a Mac is Control + Command + Q. Unsaved documents prompt a save question before the log out completes, and some apps may cancel it if a file is left unsaved.
Before you sign out
- Save open documents with Ctrl + S; signing out closes them.
- Close downloads and uploads in progress, or they will stop.
- Log out of websites on shared computers, especially email and banking.
- On office PCs, check that network files synced before leaving.
Signing out does not log you out of websites in a browser if the browser profile stays signed in for the next user on the same Windows account. On truly shared computers, each person should have their own Windows account or use a private window.
When sign out does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| A program blocks sign out | Choose Sign out anyway after saving, or close the program |
| Sign out option missing | Office policy may hide it; ask IT |
| Win + X, U, I does nothing | Press the keys one at a time, not together |
| Signs out very slowly | Many startup apps are syncing; wait or close them first |
Frequently asked questions
What is the sign out shortcut key in Windows?
What is the difference between sign out and lock?
Locking keeps your programs open; signing out closes them.
What is the log out shortcut key on a Mac?
How do I log out of a Mac without the prompt?
Does signing out close my files?
Yes. Save them first.
Why is Sign out missing?
Your organisation may have hidden it.