You can switch between user accounts on a Dell school Chromebook without signing out completely
A Dell school Chromebook lets multiple people use the same device by switching between accounts. Each account keeps its own files, bookmarks, and settings separate. You can switch users in seconds from the login screen, or if you are already signed in, you can add a new account or jump between existing ones without closing your work.
The method depends on whether you are at the login screen or already using the Chromebook. Both paths are straightforward and do not require a password to switch — only to sign back into an account you have already left.
Key Takeaways
- You can switch to a different account from the login screen by clicking the account name or email address shown.
- If you are already signed in, you can add a new account or switch users through the profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Switching accounts does not sign you out — your session stays open so you can return to your work later.
- School Chromebooks often have restrictions set by your school, so some account options may not be available depending on your device settings.
- You will need the password for any account you want to sign into, but you do not need a password just to switch between accounts you have already used.
Switching users from the login screen
When you first turn on your Dell Chromebook or after someone else has used it, you will see the login screen. This screen shows account names or email addresses of people who have used the device before. To switch to a different account, click on the name or email you want to use.
If the account you want is not shown on the login screen, look for an option to add a new account — this is usually a button at the bottom or side of the screen. Click it and enter the email address and password for the account you want to add. After you sign in once, that account will appear on the login screen for future use.
If you see a message saying the account cannot be added, your school may have restricted which accounts can use this Chromebook. Contact your school's IT department or tech support to ask whether the account you want is allowed on school devices.
Switching users while you are already signed in
You do not have to sign out to switch to another account. Look in the top-right corner of your screen for a circle with your profile picture or initials inside it. Click on it to open a menu.
In this menu, you will see your current account name and an option to sign out. Below that, you may see other accounts that have been used on this Chromebook. Click on any of those names to switch to that account instantly. Your current session stays open — when you switch back, your windows and files will be exactly where you left them.
If you want to add a brand-new account while you are signed in, look for an option in this menu that says "Add person" or "Add account". Click it, enter the email and password, and the new account will be added to your Chromebook. You can then switch to it anytime from the profile menu.
What happens when you switch accounts
When you switch to a different account, your current session pauses. Any programs you had open stay open, but you will not see them until you switch back. Your files, bookmarks, and browser history belong only to the account that created them — the other account cannot see them.
Each account has its own desktop, settings, and Chrome extensions. If one account has a program installed that another account does not, the second account will not be able to use it. This is normal and by design — school Chromebooks often set up accounts this way to keep student work separate.
Troubleshooting account switching problems
If you cannot see an account on the login screen that you know has been used before, restart your Chromebook. Turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. The account should reappear.
If you try to add a new account and get an error message, check that you are typing the email address correctly. School email addresses sometimes look different from regular Gmail addresses — they might include your school's domain name. If you are not sure of the correct format, ask a teacher or your school's tech support.
If the profile menu in the top-right corner does not show an option to add a new account, your school may have locked down the device to prevent new accounts. This is common on school Chromebooks for security reasons. Contact your school's IT department to ask whether you can add the account you need.
If you are locked out of an account because you forgot the password, you will need to use your school's password reset tool or contact your school's help desk. Dell Chromebooks do not have a built-in way to reset a password — that is handled by the account provider (usually your school).
Removing an account from your Chromebook
If you want to remove an account so it no longer appears on the login screen, click the profile icon in the top-right corner and select the account you want to remove. Look for a "Remove this user" or similar option. Click it and confirm.
Removing an account from the Chromebook does not delete the account itself — it just removes it from this device. The account still exists, and you can add it back anytime by signing in with the email and password again.
School restrictions on account switching
Your school may have set rules about which accounts can be used on Dell Chromebooks. Some schools only allow school email accounts, while others allow personal Google accounts too. Some schools prevent adding new accounts entirely.
If you need to use an account that your school has blocked, talk to your teacher or IT department. They can explain the policy and may be able to add the account for you if there is a good reason. Do not try to work around school restrictions — doing so can get you in trouble and may violate your school's acceptable use policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a personal Gmail account on my school Chromebook?
It depends on your school's settings. Some schools allow personal accounts, while others restrict the device to school email only. Try adding your personal Gmail account through the profile menu. If you get an error, your school has blocked it. Contact your IT department to ask whether they can allow it.
What happens to my files if I switch to a different account?
Your files stay with the account that created them. When you switch accounts, you will not see files from other accounts. Each account has its own Google Drive, Downloads folder, and saved files. If you need a file from another account, you will have to switch back to that account to access it.
Do I need a password to switch between accounts I have already used?
No. You can click on any account name from the login screen or profile menu without entering a password. You only need a password when you are signing into an account for the first time or after you have signed out completely.
Can I use two accounts at the same time on one Chromebook?
No. A Chromebook can only run one account at a time. You can switch between accounts instantly, but you cannot have two accounts open simultaneously. When you switch, the previous account pauses and the new one becomes active.
What should I do if I forgot my school email password?
You will need to use your school's password reset tool or contact your school's help desk. Dell Chromebooks do not reset passwords themselves — that is handled by your school's system. Go to your school's IT support page or ask a teacher for the password reset link.