SharePoint 2013 Sig in as different user ?

As you might be aware that in SharePoint 2010 & 2007, there was an option in the user menu where you could login as a different user, for testing or other purpose.

But as soon as we move to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, you will notice that the Sign in as Different User menu option is missing.

This was a great tool for developers and IT Pros\admins who wanted to test their solutions or customizations. In the new version of SharePoint I would say we are badly missing this option.

I'm not sure why they have removed it. There can be multiple reasons like

·         Caching Problems

·         Documents opened in external applications are saved with an unexpected user account

·         Page content shows information from the previous user due to cached information

·         Session variables contain information from previous users as the cookies are not cleared...

The below workaround allows users who have more than one AD account for testing to quickly login with a different account to SharePoint - but it does not guarantee that no artifacts from the previous user remain!

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods.

·         Start Windows Internet Explorer by using the Run as different user option, and then go to the SharePoint site

·         Access the SharePoint site by using the following URL: http://<site url>/_layouts/closeConnection.aspx?loginasanotheruser=true

·         You can add some code in the Masterpage for the same

·         Create a sandbox solution for the same