How to switch Operating System user accounts on Illumina Windows 10 Sequencing Systems

Background

Illumina sequencing systems (iSeq 100, MiniSeq, MiSeq RUO and NextSeq 500/550) that are running the Windows 10 operating system are installed with both standard and administrator level accounts. These are typically SbsAdmin, an administrator level account and SbsUser, a standard level account.

Note: Some earlier installed NovaSeq 6000 systems have a version of the Windows 10 image that have only the SbsUser account with administrative privileges. Later systems with a newer Windows 10 image have both SbsAdmin and SbsUser accounts with privileges like the above desktop systems.

The SbsAdmin user account is not typically used for sequencing runs but rather for various system management operations that require administrative privileges (e.g., updating the control software, configuring network settings, and troubleshooting the system by Illumina staff). SbsUser is typically used for standard operation of the system and conducting sequencing runs.

In order for the user to perform control software updates and other administrative tasks, it is required to switch to the SbsAdmin account.

Note: Switching OS accounts must only be done while the system is idle. Doing so while the system is performing a sequencing run risks premature termination.

How to switch the OS user account:

1. On the Windows desktop, Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen.

2. Select the username icon or picture.

3. Select switch user or log out.

4. Once logged out or on the switch user screen, Log into the SbsAdmin Windows administrator account.

Note: Repeat this procedure to log back into the SbsUser account before performing the next sequencing run.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #7855), contact Illumina Technical Support [e-mail].