Fast User Switching on Tahoe slows down and stops working

mauvedeity wrote:

So I have three accounts on my Mac that I switch between. One is just for testing, but one is for personal stuff and one for work. I switch between the last two a few times a day.

Or at least I used to. Since I went to Tahoe, Fast User Switching hasn't worked properly. Post a reboot, it works, then it seems to slow down. Then, it'll start offering you a chance to enter the password, but will lock again before you can. Eventually it stops working altogether, and the menu options do nothing.

Apparently this was seen on previous macOS versions, but this is the first time it's happened to me. I use this workflow all the time, so I'd like to know how I can fix it.

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26.0.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

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I have the exact same issue with Fast User Switching, after updating from Sequoia to Tahoe - 26.0.1 on October 6. On my iMac have 4 accounts - 1 admin account, 2 user accounts, and 1 test account.

I guess I will also submit a bug report, unless by chance you can respond with a fix.

Same. I keep a second account for screen recordings that I publish online. Switching between my main account, and the screen recordings account is an important part of my workflow. It's fine after a reboot, then it gets slower and slower to switch.

Just adding my 2¢ in the hopes that Apple prioritizes fixing this bug.

I’m seeing similar slowdowns and I’m honestly not sure whether this is something I caused on my end or if it’s part of the latest macOS update. I’ve checked around and noticed quite a few people on different models (M1, M2, M3) describing the same behavior after upgrading to Tahoe, especially when switching users.

Before I report anything formally, I just wanted to ask here in case other users have already confirmed what the source of the issue is. Is this something that people have been able to fix with settings changes, or is it something we’re all waiting for Apple to address in a future update?

I’m not trying to complain — I just want to understand whether this is a known pattern or if I should keep troubleshooting on my own. Any guidance from those who have already looked into it would be appreciated.

Same here. And when it gets worse the User switching on the menu bar stops working. You can click on the name of another user but it does nothing.