Logging out options

Is it possible to add a log out button as the prominent control on the start menu? In addition, is it possible to activate automatic log out, if inactive for 5-7 minutes?

I work with the elderly, and the location is a social hall. Frustrated users often walk away, rather than navigate to the Quick access menu (indicated with tiny print). Is there a log out option available on the start button. Is it possible to add it?

Also want to implement automatic log out after 5 minutes of inactivity. This, is in case they forget to log out of their various activities.

Hi ineuw,


How about a small sign with directions for a Win X menu sign-out?

Press the Windows key + X, followed by u, then i.

This would sign-out the current user.

Another simpler option might be to double-click a desktop shortcut to a sign-out script.
@Matthew Wai is our resident script expert.


As for the automatic sign-out feature, create a task in the task scheduler such as Kari's direction in post #6 here.

ineuw said:

Is it possible to add a log out button as the prominent control on the start menu? In addition, is it possible to activate automatic log out, if inactive for 5-7 minutes?

I work with the elderly, and the location is a social hall. Frustrated users often walk away, rather than navigate to the Quick access menu (indicated with tiny print). Is there a log out option available on the start button. Is it possible to add it?

Also want to implement automatic log out after 5 minutes of inactivity. This, is in case they forget to log out of their various activities.

Setting > Personalization > Lock screen...

While this won't "log out" after 5 mins, it will run a screen saver after 5 minutes, then if anyone touches mouse or keyboard, it will... "log out".

And if you also have the Display set to turn off after 5 minutes inactivity... then it will pretty much "appear" to be logging out after 5 minutes.

Point being... anyone wanting to use the comp will have to log in.







Log out on the Start Menu... ??

The screensaver idea is not suitable. It does not log anybody out. A new user cannot come along and use the computer on its resume from screensaver.

You can log off with

Code:

shutdown /l

so just create a shortcut with that in its target field.

To log off after a period, perhaps you could set up a Tasks scheduler task that runs the command when the computer enters idle.
- In Task scheduler, create a new task, set its trigger as On idle. Set its Action as shutdown /l
- [Added later - Personally, I don't like basing anything on when the computer enters an idle condition. I worry that it will happen when I do not want it to.
- - If I'm displaying a list of instructions for doing something, that thing might take me a long time but I would want the instructions to remain onscreen throughout.
- - I would not want the computer to log me off just because it was getting bored with my slowness.]

Denis

Matthew Wai said:

I am expert at plagiarizing codes from various online sources.

That's still a talent and one I have yet to develop.

Matthew Wai said:

Create_a_ ''Sign out''_shortcut.bat
The above batch script will create such a desktop shortcut.

Hi @ineuw

This solution creates an obvious 'sign out' shortcut on the Desktop.





You could also move or duplicate this shortcut onto the Taskbar if you thought it might be easier for some users.




Thanks Matthew, looks great.

Many thanks for the script and artwork!

When I posted this two weeks ago, This problem was foreseen when setting up the desktops in the community hall (all v20H2), but postponed to deal with it because there was no public access.

Public access was granted two days ago, but I was not notified. Sure enough, I checked earlier, and users walked away leaving their info onscreen.

Ghot's solution. Settings\Personalization\Lock Screen"Screen Saver Settings" at the bottom of the panel has a setting to log in on wake up. These two solve my problem. Thanks to all for the input.

Good to hear you found a solution.

Thanks for the update.