Windows devices enjoy a popular market share, by and large. From enterprises to classrooms, Windows desktops and laptops continue to be synonymous with personal computers worldwide. For efficient use of Windows 10 devices for business or education, it is imperative to manage them effectively.
When Windows 10/ Windows 11 devices are managed, the most critical aspect remains to control the Universal Windows Platform apps (UWP app) on the kiosk device without hampering the user experience. And this is exactly when Windows kiosk mode comes into play.
What is Multi App Kiosk Mode in Microsoft Windows 10?
Multi App Kiosk Mode in Microsoft Windows is a feature that allows you to configure a Windows device to run in a locked-down environment, where only selected applications are accessible to users. It is particularly useful in scenarios where the device is intended for a specific purpose, such as a public kiosk, information booth, or self-service terminal.
With Multi App Kiosk Mode, you can set up a custom user interface that restricts users from accessing the desktop, Start menu, and other system settings. Instead, users are presented with a restricted interface that displays a specific set of applications or content that you choose.
This mode gives you control over which apps are available to users and enables you to customize the user experience to suit your needs. You can configure the device to automatically launch one or more apps upon startup, prevent users from switching between apps, and even restrict access to specific features within the allowed applications.
Administrators have the ability to configure and manage Multi App Kiosk Mode using tools provided by Microsoft, such as the Assigned Access feature or the Windows Configuration Designer. These tools allow you to define the user experience, specify which apps can be accessed, and set up additional restrictions if necessary.
By using Multi App Kiosk Mode, organizations can create dedicated and secure environments for users, ensuring that the device is used only for its intended purpose and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information or system settings.
Key Features of Multi-App Kiosk Mode for Windows Devices:
- The device is restricted to two or more applications
- The end-user has consistent experience while accessing the apps
- The end-user cannot, however, download any new apps
- The end-user cannot make any system changes
How to Configure Multi-App Kiosk Mode on Windows 10?
Prerequisites to setup Windows Devices in Multi app kiosk mode –
For Multi-App Kiosk configuration on Windows 10, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites and follow specific steps to apply the kiosk policy. Here are the prerequisites:
- Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise edition: Multi-App Kiosk Mode is available on Windows 10 Enterprise/pro. Make sure you have one of these editions installed on your device.
- Assigned Access or Windows Autopilot: Multi-App Kiosk Mode can be set up using either Assigned Access or Windows Autopilot. Assigned Access allows you to set up kiosk mode on a local device, while Windows Autopilot is suitable for configuring kiosk mode during the device provisioning process.
- Appropriate user account: You’ll need to have administrative privileges on the device to configure Multi-App Kiosk Mode.
- Kiosk apps: Identify the apps you want to run in kiosk mode. These apps should be installed on the device and be compatible with the kiosk environment.
Once you have met these prerequisites, you can proceed with the configuration process. Here’s a general overview of the steps:
Watch a step-by-step video
With Scalefusion, you can lock down Windows 10 kiosk mode multiple apps. Let’s see the step-by-step process for the same.
1. Navigate to the Device Profile section in Device Management of the Scalefusion dashboard. Select the device profile you want to edit. Or you can create a new device profile by clicking on the create new profile button in the top right corner.
2. Once you start defining the device kiosk profile settings, you are navigated to select an app setting. It is important to note that for Windows 10 multi app kiosk mode, you have to choose the whitelist selected apps option. Select the apps you want from the allowed app list to set in the multi app kiosk mode.
3. To save your selection, click on the Next button. You can now choose the websites to be allowed to run on the Windows 10 multi-app kiosk.
4. If you are going to use Windows 10 devices for web browsing via Google Chrome browser, you can set up Chrome configuration
5. In the Settings section, choose the skip kiosk app option in the kiosk app section. Choosing a Kiosk app will push the Windows 10 device into a one app mode.
6. Now, navigate to the General settings and deselect the option to allow the installation of non store apps. This ensures that the end kiosk user cannot install any app on the Windows device, and the devices are locked to only allowed apps.
7. You have successfully locked the device to Windows 10 multi app kiosk mode. You can see a preview of the Windows device with selected apps. Only apps whitelisted in step 2.
Scalefusion allows you to configure Windows 10 devices in multi-app kiosk mode with ease. Windows kiosk mode is the most preferred device management mode for enterprises and schools to ensure the distractions, data costs, and security threats due to unnecessary apps are minimized while ensuring end-users have access to the work/educational apps!
