Fix the Missing "Other User" Option on Windows 10 & 11 Login Screens

Learn how to restore the missing "Other user" login option on Windows by resolving Group Policy, MDM, and Local Security settings restricting access.

Being unable to switch accounts or log in as an alternative user can completely stall your workflow. If the "Other user" option has suddenly vanished from your Windows login screen, don't worry—this is usually a configuration issue rather than a system failure.

Problem Description: Hidden Alternative Login Options

Users attempting to sign into a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine may find that the Other user (or "Andere gebruiker") option is completely missing from the bottom-left corner of the sign-in screen. This prevents domain users, local administrators, or newly created profiles from accessing the system, effectively locking out anyone who isn't the most recent user.

Quick Answer for Restoring Windows Sign-In Choices

To get the "Other user" button back, you or your IT administrator must review the device's Group Policy (GPO), Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile, or Local Security Policy. Specifically, ensure that the Allow log on locally policy includes your user group and that you are not blocked by the Deny log on locally setting.

Likely Causes Behind Missing User Accounts on Startup

• Restrictive Group Policies (GPO): Domain controllers may be pushing policies that hide fast user switching or specific login prompts.
• MDM Configurations: Devices managed by Microsoft Intune or other Mobile Device Management tools often have strict sign-in security policies applied.
• Local Security Policy Misconfigurations: Essential user groups may have been accidentally removed from local log on rights.
• Custom Credential Providers: Third-party security software (like specialized multi-factor authentication tools) can override and hide the default Windows login options.

Recommended Solution: Unhide the Other User Profile Option

1. Check Local Security Policies: Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and hit Enter. Navigate to Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
2. Verify Allow/Deny Rights: Double-click on Allow log on locally and ensure "Users" or "Administrators" are listed. Next, check Deny log on locally to ensure the account you want to use hasn't been restricted.
3. Check Domain Join Status: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type dsregcmd /status and press Enter. Review the output to ensure your device is properly connected to Azure AD (Entra ID) or your local domain.
4. Contact IT for Managed Devices: If your PC is issued by an employer or school, these settings are likely locked by an MDM or Group Policy. Provide your IT administrator with the dsregcmd /status output and request an adjustment to the device's sign-in policy.

Alternative Solutions for Advanced Policy Restrictions

1. Enable Fast User Switching via Registry: Open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Look for HideFastUserSwitching. If it exists and is set to 1, change the value to 0.
2. Modify Interactive Logon Settings: In the same Registry path, look for DontDisplayLastUserName. If this is set to 1, it forces users to type both their username and password, which can sometimes alter how the "Other user" prompt behaves.
3. Uninstall Custom Credential Providers: Boot into Safe Mode and temporarily disable or uninstall third-party MFA or smart-card login software to see if the default Windows login screen returns.

Working with WPS Office: A Reliable Offline Alternative

While Windows login and domain policy issues cannot be directly fixed by office software, being locked out of your primary cloud-connected account can prevent you from accessing crucial Microsoft 365 documents. In these scenarios, WPS Office serves as an excellent, free alternative. You can install WPS Office on any accessible local profile to seamlessly create, open, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files locally, ensuring your productivity continues uninterrupted while IT resolves your active directory or MDM login issues.

Prevention Tips for Managing Login Screen Settings

• Test Policies Before Deployment: IT admins should always test new Intune or GPO security baselines on a small group of devices before rolling them out company-wide.
• Maintain a Local Admin Account: Always keep a secondary local administrator account active and accessible in case domain logins fail.
• Document MDM Changes: Keep a clear log of any third-party credential providers or security software installed on the network.

FAQs About Windows Credential Providers and Access

Can I fix the missing "Other user" option without administrator privileges?

No. Modifying Local Security Policies, Registry entries, or bypassing MDM restrictions requires an administrator account. If you only have standard user access, you must contact your IT department for assistance.

Why did the option disappear after a recent Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes reapply default security baselines or trigger a sync with your organization's Mobile Device Management (MDM) server, which may overwrite local settings and hide alternative login options.