How to Set Up and Use a Kiosk on Windows 11?

Kiosk mode is a built-in feature of Windows 11 that allows you to run a single UWP app (in full-screen mode only) for a particular local user account. Once you set up the kiosk mode, only one app (like Microsoft Edge, Calculator, Mail, Maps, etc.) can be accessed in that user account, and nothing else. While it restricts a user account to run only a single app, turning your Windows 11 device into a kiosk has other benefits. For instance, you can use the kiosk feature to use your device as an interactive display, digital sign, check the weather, public announcements, etc.

A single-app kiosk uses the Assigned Access feature to run a single app above the lock screen. When the kiosk account signs in, the selected app launch automatically. The kiosk person cannot do anything on the device outside of the kiosk app.

Requirements or Limitations to set up Kiosk Mode

To set up a kiosk in Windows 11, you should note the following:-

  • User Account Control (UAC) should be enabled.
  • A Kiosk account must sign-in on the physical device, as a remote desktop is not allowed.
  • The kiosk account must also be a limited or standard user account, not an administrator or Microsoft account.
  • There will be no Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, Desktop, etc., in the user account where you have set up kiosk mode.
  • You won’t be able to use hotkeys to open the Settings app, File Explorer, etc.
  • You need to use the Ctrl+Alt+Del hotkey to exit from that Kiosk account.
  • You can set up Kiosk mode in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions only.

How to Configure Kiosk Mode in Windows 11?

Windows 11 allows you to set up a kiosk in order to make your PC used as a public terminal to display public announcements or other information. To set up a Kiosk on your Windows 11 machine, do the following:-

Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys on the keyboard.

Step 2. Then, select the Accounts category on the left side of the Settings window.

Step 3. After that, click the Family & other users tile on the right-side pane.

Step 4. Then, scroll down in the “Family & other users” settings page and click the Get started button under the “Set up a kiosk” section.

Step 5. When you’re done, the “Create an account” box will open on the screen.

Step 6. In that box, type a name for the new local user account. Windows 11 will automatically create an account with that name for the kiosk mode. If you already have some local account for which you want to set up kiosk mode, then select the “Choose an existing account” link and select your local account.

Step 7. Once done, click the Next button.

Step 8. Now, Windows will suggest a list of apps that you can use in kiosk mode. Select a kiosk app of your choice and click the Next button.

Step 9. If you select Microsoft Edge, you see two options on how to use the app:-

  • As a digital sign or interactive display: The browser will open in full screen.
  • As a public browser: Browser will open with a limited set of features.

Select one of the options and click the Next button.

Step 10. In the following screen, type in the default home page that will open up automatically when the browser opens.

Then, select a time in the drop-down menu. This option will restart the browser if someone has used it for the specified time. This helps keep data safe in a public browsing session.

Step 11. Once you’re done, click the Next button.

Step 12. Click the Close button.

That’s it. Now kiosk account is set up, and you can log in to that account. To exist from the Kiosk account, you’ll need to press Ctrl+Alt+Del hotkey.

How to Replace the Kiosk App in Windows 11?

To replace the Kiosk app in Windows 11, use the following steps:-

Step 1. Login to your PC with an administrator account.

Step 2. Then, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys on the keyboard.

Step 3. After that, select the Accounts category on the left side of the Settings window.

Step 4. Next, click the Family & other users tile on the right-side pane.

Step 5. Then, scroll down in the “Family & other users” settings page and click the Kiosk tile.

Step 6. On the next screen, you’ll see the app currently active in kiosk mode. Click that application name to expand.

Step 7. Then, click the Change kiosk app button.

Step 8. On the next window, select a different kiosk app and click the Next button.

Step 9. Finally, click the Cancel button.

How to Remove a Kiosk from Windows 11?

To remove the Kiosk from your Windows 11 PC, use the following steps:-

Step 1. Login to your PC with an administrator account.

Step 2. Then, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys on the keyboard.

Step 3. After that, select the Accounts category on the left side of the Settings window.

Step 4. Next, click the Family & other users tile on the right-side pane.

Step 5. Then, scroll down in the “Family & other users” settings page and click the Kiosk tile.

Step 6. On the next screen, you’ll see the app currently active in kiosk mode. Click that application name to expand.

Step 7. Then, click the Remove kiosk button beside the “Remove this kiosk” option.

Step 8. Finally, click the Remove button when you’re prompted.

That’s it. Once you perform the above steps, the Kiosk is removed from your PC.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kiosk mode is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that enables users to run a single UWP app in full-screen mode for a specific local user account. While it restricts the user account to run only one app, it has other benefits like using the device as an interactive display, digital sign, or public announcement. Setting up kiosk mode requires enabling User Account Control, signing in on the physical device, and creating a limited or standard user account. Kiosk mode can be configured in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions only. To set up kiosk mode, users can follow the steps in the Settings app, choose an app for the kiosk, and set a default home page. Users can also replace or remove the kiosk app by following the steps provided.

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