Kiosk mode is a special feature in Windows that allows you to transform a regular Windows device into a dedicated machine meant for a specific task. By restricting the device to run only certain apps or functions, it ensures users cannot access anything outside of what’s intended.

This is important for businesses and organisations that want to provide focused, secure, and easy-to-use public or shared devices, such as self-service kiosks, digital signages, or point-of-sale systems. Let’s explore what Windows built-in kiosk mode offers, how it works, and compare it with the kiosk mode provided by VantageMDM, highlighting the key differences and benefits.

What is Windows Built-In Kiosk Mode?

Windows built-in kiosk mode locks down a device to run either a single app or a set of selected apps. This creates a secure environment by preventing users from accessing other apps, settings, or system features. The goal is to provide a streamlined user experience for specific use cases, ensuring the device serves only its intended purpose without distractions or security risks.

This feature is available on Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11, helping organisations increase operational efficiency and enhance customer interactions by restricting device capabilities to just what’s needed. Learn more about Windows 10 kiosk mode here.

Types of Kiosk Mode

• Single-app kiosk: The device runs just one application in full screen. Users cannot exit the app or access anything else on the system. This mode is ideal for scenarios like digital signage, self-check-in kiosks, or point-of-sale terminals where only one function is needed.
• Multi-app kiosk: This mode allows a controlled list of apps rather than just one. Users can switch between these allowed apps but cannot access other system features or applications. This is suitable for shared workstations or multifunction kiosks in offices or schools.

Configuration Methods

Windows provides several ways to configure kiosk mode, making it flexible for different technical skill levels and deployment needs:

• Through Windows Settings on the device (GUI-based setup).
• Using PowerShell cmdlets for more advanced or automated setups.
• Via the Windows Configuration Designer tool.
• Or by using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions like Microsoft Intune for remote management and deployment. You can find more about MDM software here.

Use Cases

Common use cases for Windows kiosk mode include:

• Public information terminals such as airport self-check-in kiosks or museums.
• Digital signage displaying advertisements or important info.
• Point-of-sale devices in retail or food courts.
• Shared corporate devices restricted to specific business applications.
• Exam or testing computers locked to specific testing software.

By limiting what users can do, Windows kiosk mode helps reduce errors, unauthorised changes, and the need for frequent troubleshooting, improving both security and user experience.

How VantageMDM Provides Kiosk Mode

VantageMDM is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that offers an advanced kiosk mode feature specifically designed for Windows devices. It goes beyond the native Windows kiosk capabilities by providing centralised control and remote management tools that simplify deployment and monitoring.

VantageMDM supports both single-app and multi-app kiosk modes, enabling businesses to lock down devices to run only authorised apps while preventing unauthorised access or changes. This solution is ideal for organisations managing numerous kiosks across various locations, offering enhanced security and operational efficiency.

Key Features

• Centralised Management: IT administrators can oversee and manage all Windows kiosks from one unified console, simplifying large-scale deployments and policy enforcement.
• Remote Deployment and Policy Enforcement: Devices can be configured and updated remotely, reducing the need for on-site manual setup and allowing policies to be pushed instantaneously.
• Enhanced Lockdown and Security Options: Provides more granular controls and lockdown capabilities than the built-in Windows kiosk mode, such as disabling specific system functions (camera, USB, Bluetooth), and configuring browser security settings including whitelists and blacklists for websites.
• Multi-Device Scalability and Monitoring: Supports management of multiple kiosk devices at once, with real-time remote screen viewing and device health monitoring, helping administrators respond quickly to issues.
• Integration with Device Inventory and App Management: Seamlessly integrates kiosk mode with broader device management tasks like inventory tracking, app distribution, and update scheduling.

Together, these features simplify the configuration, deployment, and ongoing security management of Windows kiosks, making VantageMDM a powerful tool for businesses aiming for operational consistency and security across many devices.

Comparison: Windows Built-In Kiosk Mode vs. VantageMDM

Why VantageMDM Is a Better Choice for Many Organisations

• Ideal for Managing Many Kiosks: Enables organisations to efficiently handle numerous kiosks distributed across multiple locations.
• Reduces Manual Work: Remote configuration and updates significantly cut down on time-consuming manual setups and on-site maintenance.
• Stronger Security: Offers enhanced lockdown features and policy enforcement, helping protect devices from unauthorised use and potential vulnerabilities.
• Better Visibility: Real-time monitoring and remote screen viewing give administrators timely insights into device status, facilitating proactive support and maintenance.

While Windows built-in kiosk mode serves well for straightforward, small-scale deployments with simple setup needs, VantageMDM delivers a more powerful, scalable, and secure solution tailored for organisations with larger or more complex kiosk management requirements. Its centralised management tools, remote deployment capabilities, enhanced security controls, and real-time monitoring make it a superior choice for businesses aiming to maintain control and optimise kiosk device performance across multiple sites.