The Unwanted Login Carousel
macOS supports a feature called Fast User Switching that allows multiple user accounts to remain simultaneously logged in, with a convenient menu in the top-right corner of the menu bar for hopping between them. When this feature is active, macOS may automatically display the login window or user selection screen after a period of inactivity, after waking from sleep, or when the screensaver is dismissed. For single-user Macs where no one else shares the machine, this login window prompt adds an unnecessary step to resuming work. It is especially annoying on home machines where security requirements are minimal and the extra click or password re-entry serves no practical purpose.
Disabling the Login Window Prompt
To stop macOS from automatically showing the login window or user switching screen when the computer wakes from sleep or the screensaver, you must adjust the security and login settings.
Click the Apple Logo and select System Settings. Navigate to Lock Screen in the left-hand sidebar. Find the option labelled Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off. Change this to a longer interval (such as “After 5 minutes”) or, for maximum convenience on a private machine, set it to a longer delay. This controls how quickly macOS demands authentication after the screen locks. To remove the Fast User Switching menu bar icon entirely, go to System Settings > Control Centre. Scroll down to the Fast User Switching section and set “Show in Menu Bar” to Don’t Show. To prevent the login window from appearing at all on wake, go to System Settings > Users & Groups. Click the Login Options button (you may need to unlock with your administrator password). Set Automatic login to your user account. This bypasses the login screen entirely when the Mac starts up or wakes, logging you in directly.