Windows 10 Kiosk Mode- Features and Applications

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Microsoft has been developing a suite of administrative features that can help the business community in managing windows devices present at their workplace or public sites for several years.

The kiosk mode Windows 10 provides facilities to manage, customize and maintain the windows devices deployed all over the globe. Windows 10 kiosk mode generates a restricted environment where Windows devices including laptops and desktop systems can be configured to perform a specific task.

For better governance and control, the kiosk mode allows IT administrators to run a single or bunch of custom applications in a confined space. This kiosk mode can be provided by the best MDM solutions.

However, to enable Windows 10 kiosk mode, a local standard user account must be created before as this mode doesn’t provide support for the admin account. The kiosk mode can be used to improve customer experience, boost employee productivity, and enhance data security. Windows kiosk software works in two modes that are discussed below.

  • Single app: In this mode, a Windows 10 device can be configured for one app which means that a device can execute one application only in the foreground. This device can act as a single-purpose dedicated device that performs a certain operation. Single-app mode executes the authorized app in full-screen view.

Once the kiosk mode is active, users are unable to get into the start menu, taskbar, desktop, settings, or any other app. Instead, the authorized app automatically loads at startup and will be visible to users rather than the whole dashboard. Devices in this mode generally include POS systems, service kiosks, digital signage, ticket booking systems, and web browsers.

  •  Multi-app: Windows 10 kiosk mode multiple apps allows users to access multiple predefined approved applications. In multi-app kiosk mode, users can navigate between different apps configured by the admin. In this mode, users can view tiles for authorized apps only rather than the whole dashboard. Such devices are normally used by manufacturing organizations, the service industry, and educational departments.

 

Features of Windows 10 Kiosk Mode

Some of the important features of Windows 10 kiosk mode software are discussed below.

Startup app settings:

To gain the maximum advantage of Windows kiosk mode, it is important to modify settings according to the requirements of corporate. For improving user experience, the IT admin ensures that a pre-approved app should be launched automatically at system start-up.

Similarly, in public places, the auto-login feature can be enabled whenever the system reboots so that users can get into the desired application immediately.

Display configurations:

For enhancing security and usability, key combinations such as Alt+Ctrl+Del could be disabled. This helps in avoiding tampering with the system and kiosk.

In the same way, the administrator can disable the task manager, ease of access, power button, start menu, settings, taskbar, removable media, camera, etc. to avoid disruption.

Screen customization:

Just like iOS and Android kiosk modes, Windows kiosks also offer features to change the layout of the screen visible to customers.

The IT team can customize the wallpaper, appearance of icons, fonts, color scheme, and orientation aligned with the organization’s professional interface. This helps in marketing and branding the services offered by the enterprise.

 Folder restrictions: 

Kiosk mode Windows 10 provides the feature to restrict all files, folders, and drives so that users cannot access unnecessary folders.

However, as per the discretion of the IT team, the admin can enable access to the downloads folder and removable drives, if required to perform the business-related activity.

Applications of Kiosk Mode Windows 10

Windows operating system has been widely used by individuals and enterprises across the globe due to the flexibility, features, and ease it provides to users. Some of the applications of Windows kiosk app are discussed below.

 Healthcare:

The physicians, nurses and paramedical staff uses kiosk-enabled Windows devices to access patient records, medical history, allergies information, and lab reports to provide timely treatment from remote locations as well.

Moreover, to comply with the regulations and acts, the restricted environment of the Windows 10 kiosk mode multiple apps plays a vital role.

 Retail:

In retail, Windows devices with kiosk mode are placed in public places for order information and self-checkout. Moreover, these devices are used as digital signage and POS terminal for advertisement and improving sales.

 Education:

Nowadays, instructors use tablets and laptops to provide quality education. The kiosk mode helps in restricting students to use approved applications like Zoom, Teams, etc. to improve learning. Apart from this, the kiosk-enabled Windows desktop systems and laptops are available in libraries for browsing.

Transportation and logistics:

To ensure the timely delivery of products, the kiosk-enabled Windows devices play a significant role as it tracks the location of drivers.

You will need the best MDM solution that can provide the service of kiosk mode for your business and other purposes