Edge is Microsoft’s popular cross-platform web browser, which makes handling security and privacy much easier for its users. Microsoft Edge includes new-age consumer features like Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode that protect your online data and identity, help you stay organized and save time and give you value back.
Microsoft Edge is especially popular for enterprise use because it gives users more control over their data with transparency into which trackers are blocked while browsing online with tracking prevention.
What is Microsoft Edge kiosk mode?
Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode is a specialized feature designed to provide a streamlined and secure browsing experience, particularly in public or shared environments. It allows organizations to configure Microsoft Edge to run in a restricted mode, limiting access to only specific websites or web applications.
Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode is widely used in various industries. Retail stores use it for digital signage and interactive product displays. Healthcare facilities deploy it to provide patients with access to health information and services. Educational institutions use it to create a controlled browsing environment for students.
Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode offers a robust solution for managing public or shared devices. Its blend of customization, security, and user experience makes it a versatile tool for organizations looking to provide a controlled and secure web browsing environment.
Prerequisites to Setup Microsoft Edge in Kiosk Mode
Kiosk software simplifies transforming Windows computers into kiosk devices. Organizations can configure PCs in Windows kiosk mode to run business-specific applications and websites. IT admins can easily manage kiosks for optimal performance and secure them against any kind of misuse or unauthorized access.
Microsoft Edge is a widely used browser on Windows systems. A device management console offers settings that allow IT admins to control and provide a safe and secure Microsoft Edge browsing experience to the users. IT admins can also whitelist websites and control specific Edge configurations.
Minimum OS requirements for configuration
- Windows Enterprise or Windows Education Edition (Recommended): Build Number 1709 & above
- Windows Professional Edition: Build Number 1809 & above
Confirm if the application you want to use as a Kiosk is a UWP or a Win32 application. Ensure you have one Windows device where the application is installed to set up the Device Profile. You will also need to create a Windows Device Profile and ensure that Microsoft Edge is installed on all Windows devices.
Benefits of Using Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode in Windows 10 & 11
Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode is a robust solution for deploying secure and efficient kiosks. Here are the key benefits:
1. Enhanced Security: Edge Kiosk Mode limits user access to specific websites or applications, reducing the risk of security breaches and protecting sensitive data.
2. Customizable User Experience: You can tailor the kiosk environment to your needs, setting up start pages, whitelists, and interface customizations for a tailored user experience.
3. Improved Performance: Optimized for stability, Edge Kiosk Mode ensures smooth operation, even under heavy use, reducing the likelihood of crashes and performance issues.
4. Seamless Windows Integration: It integrates effortlessly with Windows 10 and 11, making deployment and management straightforward through familiar Windows tools.
5. Versatile Deployment: Whether for retail, healthcare, education, or public information, Edge Kiosk Mode adapts to various environments, offering flexibility and functionality.
Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode in windows device streamlines kiosk deployment, enhancing security, user experience, and management efficiency. It’s a powerful choice for creating secure, interactive kiosk solutions.
Set Up Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode on Windows with Scalefusion MDM
Step 1
Go to Scalefusion.com and click Login or Start Free Trial. You can sign in to your account using your personal email ID, G-suite, or Office 365.
Step 2
Enroll your Windows devices using IE/Edge Browser through the Scalefusion dashboard. Once done, you will be able to start managing your enrolled devices by configuring device profiles.
Step 3
On the dashboard, navigate to Device Profiles & Policies > Device Profiles. You can either edit an existing Device Profile or Create a new Windows Profile.
Step 4
Go to Select Apps and Add User Info. Fill out the user information.
Step 5
Go to Step 2: Select Apps to configure the applications to be available on the kiosk device. Search for Edge and toggle the option, as shown here.
Click Next to configure StartUp App Settings to set configurations for the app. Remember this is optional.
You can also blacklist select applications or skip the application policy altogether to allow the user to choose applications for use on the device.
Step 6
Proceed to the next section and select the whitelisted websites that you want to allow on the device. Create a whole list of websites that should be visible in this section by going to the website whitelisting section of the Scalefusion dashboard.
Step 7
Next, configure the Chrome/Edge browser settings. You have the option to configure the user experience, content search, network, printing, and security settings of the Edge browser.
Step 8
Now, move to the Settings section to configure the single app mode for Windows devices. To run the device as Windows Kiosk Browser, click the Browser Application option. From the drop-down, set it to Edge Browser, as shown here.
Step 9
Enter the URL that you want to open when the Edge browser launches. Enter the Path where Edge is installed on the Windows device. You can also use $device.<custom> if the path is different on each machine.
Furthermore, select if you want to show the navigational keys or hide them.
Step 10
Scroll down to configure the Edge browser settings when running in a single app mode on Windows devices. You can choose the user account to set the Edge browser in the single app mode. You can enter the primary username or select the Autocreate Kiosk User Account option and select the CSP.
Step 11
Lastly, click on Create New Profile to save the changes. This Device Profile will now be available in the Device Profiles section on the dashboard, ready to apply on enrolled devices or device groups.
Once this is done, all your enrolled Windows devices will be set in a single app mode with the Edge browser. End-users can now access only the Edge browser on the selected Windows device.
Best Practices for Maintaining Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode
- Regular Testing: Regularly test Microsoft Edge in Kiosk Mode to identify potential problems before they affect users. This includes verifying full-screen functionality, auto-starting the app, and ensuring no unauthorized access is allowed.
- Software Updates: Ensure both Windows and Microsoft Edge are updated regularly to keep the kiosk environment secure and functioning smoothly. This includes security patches that may resolve common bugs.
- Minimal Configuration: Keep the configuration of Edge in Kiosk Mode as simple as possible. Disable unnecessary features, and only allow the essential website or application access to reduce the chances of malfunction.
- Remote Management: If you manage multiple devices, leverage Scalefusion Windows MDM solutions to remotely manage and enforce Kiosk Mode settings. This allows you to easily deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot Kiosk Mode across all devices in your organization.
Closing Lines
Microsoft’s Edge browser offers excellent built-in tools that are secure for corporate data security. Configuring Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode with Scalefusion simplifies cumbersome IT tasks and makes large device inventory easier.
To know more about how to use Scalefusion for setting up the Edge browser in kiosk mode, sign up for the 14-day free trial.
FAQs
1. Does Microsoft Edge have a kiosk mode?
Yes, Microsoft Edge has a kiosk mode that allows you to lock the browser to a specific website or web application. This is ideal for public kiosks or interactive displays. Users can interact with the content but cannot navigate away from the designated site.
2. How to put Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode?
To put Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode, open the browser and go to the desired website. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner, select “More tools,” and then choose “Open in kiosk mode.” To execute this across a device fleet, it’s better to opt for an MDM solution.
3. What are the benefits of running Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode?
Running Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode provides a secure and streamlined browsing experience by limiting access to specific websites, preventing users from navigating away. It is ideal for public environments, such as information kiosks or digital signage, ensuring a focused and controlled browsing environment.
4. How to Get Out of Edge Kiosk Mode in Windows Devices?
To exit Edge Kiosk mode in Windows, try pressing Alt + F4 to close the browser or use Task Manager to end the Edge process. Restarting the computer can also effectively exit the kiosk mode.
