Over the years, Microsoft has been constantly developing its suite of administrative tools and features. This includes the ability to manage multiple devices in kiosk mode and empowers several businesses to assign access to Windows-based business devices among their workforces or for mission-centric purposes on public sites. Windows kiosk mode feature facilitates businesses to easily manage, maintain, and customize Windows devices deployed across geographies.
The kiosk mode in Windows, for instance, could be considered one of the tools that limit the potential of improper usage by user accounts of business-critical devices. By using the Kiosk mode in Windows, a variety of industrial processes can be improved, including improving customer and employee satisfaction, increasing data security, and boosting employee productivity.
Windows devices are used by many organizations around the globe. Some prominent industries include computer software, information technology, healthcare, education, government, and finance. SMBs and large organizations alike are increasingly embracing Windows devices for enhanced data security, Cortana assistance, identity management, scalability, and flexibility. Scalefusion helps IT admins configure Windows 10 kiosk mode to serve dedicated purposes.
What is Windows Kiosk Mode?
Windows kiosk mode is a lockdown feature for Windows devices, including the latest Windows 10 pro and Windows 11, which restricts end users to access only a single application running on full screen or multi-app kiosk mode. IT teams have the option of running apps that are consistent with the UWP app (Universal Windows Platform), which is applicable for Windows 10/11.
In other words, it allows companies to ensure greater oversight and control over Windows kiosk devices in either of the cases. As a result, kiosks confine access to a single function and minimize behavior that may interfere with the normal functioning of publicly accessible single-purpose devices as deployed by the organizations.
These configurations usually appear or are set up at the point-of-sale systems at retail stores, interactive directories in outdoor lobby areas, public windows desktop, self-service kiosks at restaurants, self-check-in stations at airports, or advertising signage.
All these options prevent end user accounts from leaving the designated kiosk app or app(s) and obtaining internal information about the company devices.
Read more: Windows Device Management: An Extensive Guidebook
How to Set Up Kiosk Mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Scalefusion MDM offers an intuitive, unified dashboard to control all device management functions, including enabling and disabling kiosk mode for Windows. Once a particular device is enrolled, IT admins can go to the Scalefusion dashboard, where they can easily set up kiosk mode on the required devices. They can also push, control, and alter the content to be displayed and be on top of which apps and browsers to run on kiosks.
To set up a Windows Kiosk Mode, it is necessary to create a Windows profile on Scalefusion Dashboard.
1. Navigate to Device Profiles & Policies > DevicesProfiles
2. Click Create New Profile on the upper right corner of the screen
3. Select the Windows tab; Enter a profile name; Click Submit
4. Now, under Select Apps (on left menu), choose Multi-app Kiosk Mode
- Step 1: Configure policy mode – Select Scalefusion MDM Agent App
- Step 2: Add user info – Configure the user info
- Step 3: Select apps – Select the apps to enable on multi-app kiosk mode
5. Click Create Profile on the upper right corner of the screen to finish
6. Click Apply to push the multi-app kiosk profile to device groups/user groups/individual devices
Types of Kiosk Modes in Windows
Now that we are aware of the fact that Windows devices can be locked down into kiosk mode. Corporate-owned devices or Bring-your-own-devices (BYOD), the following modes are available for both:
Here is the table of comparison below:
| Windows Single app mode | Windows Multi app mode |
|---|---|
| It is possible for only one app (in full screen) to run on the device at a time. | It is possible to run more than one app (multiple apps) on a single device. |
| A good option for public use where there is an auto-sign-in capability and a need for high security. | It is ideal for corporate scenarios wherein organizations can deploy corporate-liable devices to their employees and push predetermined policies, configurations & apps to increase their productivity and empower them to not get distracted by other content or applications. |
| In general public places, such as in stores, museums, libraries, and guest registration desks, you will often find kiosks such as ones that provide weather updates, devices that show promotional content, and others that run demo routines are some typical examples. | In corporate scenarios, such as industries across diversified verticals deploying devices to on-field workers, remote workforces, workers on the go, etc., are some typical examples. |
Single App Mode Vs Multi App Mode
Setup Single App Kiosk Mode on Windows
Setup Multi App Kiosk Mode on Windows
Advantages of Windows Kiosk Mode
Windows Kiosk Mode can offer several benefits for businesses and organizations, including:
Enhanced Security:
By restricting access to only specific applications or websites, kiosk mode can enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. For example, kiosk mode can be used to secure point-of-sale systems, public access terminals, and other devices that need to be protected from unauthorized access.
Increased Efficiency:
By limiting access to only necessary applications, kiosk mode can help streamline workflows and increase efficiency. For example, in a customer service scenario, kiosk mode can be used to provide customers with a self-service portal to perform tasks such as ticket booking, check-in, or payment, reducing the need for staff involvement.
Improved User Experience:
Kiosk mode can be used to provide a customized and focused user experience that meets specific user needs. For example, in a retail environment, kiosk mode can be used to provide a self-service shopping experience, allowing customers to browse products and make purchases without requiring assistance from staff.
Cost Savings:
By eliminating the need for dedicated hardware or personnel to manage the device, kiosk mode can help reduce costs. By using existing hardware and software and automating processes, kiosk mode can help organizations save time and money.
Industries that can benefit from Windows 10 Kiosk Mode include:
Retail:
Kiosk mode can be used to provide a self-service shopping experience, reducing the need for staff involvement and enhancing the customer experience.
Hospitality:
Kiosk mode can be used to provide guests with a self-service check-in and check-out system, reducing the need for staff involvement and streamlining the process.
Healthcare:
Kiosk mode can be used to provide patients with a self-service portal to access medical records or schedule appointments, reducing the need for staff involvement and increasing patient satisfaction.
Transportation:
Kiosk mode can be used to provide travelers with a self-service check-in and boarding pass printing system, reducing the need for staff involvement and enhancing the customer experience.
However, it’s important to note that there are limitations and considerations to using kiosk mode, such as the risk of unauthorized access or the need for ongoing maintenance and updates. Therefore, it’s important to carefully evaluate the needs and risks of each scenario and implement appropriate security measures to ensure the safety and privacy of users and data.
Use Cases for Kiosk Mode Functionality on Windows Devices
As soon as IT admins enable Windows 10 Kiosk Mode on devices, the following things can be implemented by an organization based on its business specifications and requirements:
1. Windows Devices Can Act as Digital Signage:
Based on business requirements, IT admins can lock down universal Windows devices remotely into a Windows single app kiosk mode with a particular content/message on loop (multimedia content) and deploy it on public-facing sites.
2. Windows Kiosk Browser Lockdown:
It is possible to lock down Windows devices into single-app or multi-app modes with advanced restrictions to browsing or access to browsers. IT admins can configure kiosks for browsers so that users can access them only for mission-centric purposes, this can improve the user experience. However, as per the latest tech update, Google Chrome doesn’t support Windows 7 & 8/8.1 anymore. For such OS versions, kiosk mode browser lockdown can still be applied on Microsoft Edge. If your IT team prefers the Chrome browser, you need to move to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
3. Manage and Secure Windows 10 Kiosk Mode:
IT admins can configure and lock down Windows devices into kiosk mode; this empowers IT admins with the ability to remotely monitor, manage, and secure the deployed devices with predetermined security configurations and policies; thus ensuring enhanced productivity of employees and security of the endpoints.
4. Kiosk Mode Restrictions on Data and Device Usage:
When devices are locked into Windows kiosk mode, end users are automatically restricted from carrying out/performing any personal tasks via their standard user accounts on Windows devices apart from mission-centric purposes defined by the organizations. Moreover, this feature also diminishes any sort of data tampering, device settings misconfigurations, peripheral buttons, and feature misuse.
Provision of Enable Kiosk Mode in Windows Devices Using Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s Windows kiosk mode enhances the security features of Windows OS, providing businesses with a secure environment to operate. The solution’s kiosk lockdown management simplifies the deployment of Windows devices in kiosk mode, making it easy for businesses to get started.
Scalefusion Windows 10 Kiosk Mode Offers the Following Major Benefits:
- Streamlined business processes
- Enhanced efficiency by reducing capital costs and IT workloads
- Maximized employee productivity through dedicated kiosk mode usage
- Monitoring kiosk health remotely to ensure they are working properly
- Windows Autopilot enrollment process for bulk enrollment of Windows devices
- Improved device and data security
Closing lines…
Although Windows 10 and 11 are now the more popular versions, kiosk mode is applicable to older versions as well. Thus, it is safe to consider that Windows kiosk mode running on both old and latest versions offer a wide range of use cases for organizations. Businesses can be confident that their mobility needs are met, and that their deployed Windows devices run in kiosk mode delivers the best results.
