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Fast User Switching cannot be activated

Hello:

I have a 2019 iMac running Ventura. There are several user accounts on that machine. A few days ago, the user names disappeared from the menu bar. When I open the system settings for the control center, I can see the different options for the "Show in Menu Bar" setting ("Don't Show", "Full Name", ...), but whatever I select does not stick, but the setting returns to "Don't Show". Also, the "Show in Control Center" option cannot be activated.


Can someone help?


Thanks!


iMac 27″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 17, 2023 2:09 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Feb 19, 2023 11:19 AM

After updating to 13.2.1 and the problem persists give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


8 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Feb 19, 2023 11:19 AM in response to Hinrich Althoff

After updating to 13.2.1 and the problem persists give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Feb 17, 2023 2:24 AM in response to Hinrich Althoff

Is user profile true and accurate iMac 27″, macOS 13.1 ?


Predicated on above as being accurate.


The current version of Ventura has moved on since that time.


Current version has now reached version 13.2.1


There have been several bug and security fixes that maybe be related to the Faster User Switching issue


Links below related to Updating and Security update 13.2.1


Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support (CA)


About the security content of macOS Ventura 13.2.1 - Apple Support



Feb 17, 2023 5:15 AM in response to Hinrich Althoff

Welcome


To offer possible answers to above question regarding did not notify of the update


There are factors:


1 - Like poor Wifi connection


2 - Slow wifi connection


3 - Too many other people downloading at the same time and Apple Severs are overloaded


4 - Software on the computer interfering with the download process including AntiVirus Software


Notation: Disabling the AV Software may or may not solve the issue. Removal of the AV Software may increase the chances of the download to perform as expected.


5 - Running behind a VPN which may increase Packet losses or corruption of the download 


6 - If via wifi too many Other devices using the wifi at the same time reducing the Bandwidth to your computer. 


7 - Best Results are via Ethernet Cable to Router

Feb 18, 2023 5:14 PM in response to Hinrich Althoff

I am having the same issue. Since updating from Ventura 13.2 to 13.2.1 a couple of days ago, Fast User Switching keeps switching itself off! I go into System Settings and switch it on with Show in menu bar - icon but after a while (usually after the Mac has gone to sleep) it sets itself back to Show in menu bar - Don't show. Very frustrating.


(2020 iMac 27" Core i7, macOS Ventura 13.2.1).

Fast User Switching cannot be activated

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