How to Remove a Kiosk from Windows 11
Assigned Access locks a Windows 11 PC down to a single app for public displays, restricting the machine so people can only use that one program. Standard Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions use this feature to secure public terminals.
Removing a kiosk returns the computer to normal desktop use by deleting the dedicated user account tied to the restriction. You need administrator rights on the PC to complete these steps and restore full access to the desktop.
Disable the assigned access feature via Settings Accounts Family & other users Set up a kiosk, then click Remove kiosk. Alternatively, use PowerShell commands Get-AssignedAccess and Remove-AssignedAccess.
Understanding Kiosk Modes
Windows 11 kiosk modes come in single-app and multi-app setups to restrict user accounts to specific programs. Single-app kiosks lock the screen to one application, while multi-app kiosks let people use a small group of approved apps. Both types use Assigned Access (a Windows feature that restricts a user account to running only specified apps) to control what people can do.
Warning: Data Loss
How to Remove a Kiosk via Settings
Remove a kiosk in Windows 11 through the Settings app by using an administrator account. Open Settings , go to accounts, and find the kiosk setup area to turn off the restriction. You need to sign in with an administrator account to make this change work.
1. Press the Win+I to open Settings , or click Start and select the gear icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on Accounts. Then, select Family & other users.
3. Find the section labeled 'Set up a kiosk' and click the 'Active' tile for more options.
The app currently set to run in kiosk mode appears on screen. Click its name to expand the menu and find options for changing kiosk status.
5. Click the Remove kiosk button.
6. A confirmation window appears. Click Remove to complete the deletion process.
Removing Kiosk via PowerShell
Windows 11 lets you remove a kiosk using PowerShell with administrator rights if the normal settings menu does not work. You run specific commands in the terminal to find the active kiosk setup and delete it from your computer entirely.
- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type this command to list current kiosk configurations:
Get-AssignedAccess
3. Run the following command to remove the configuration:
Remove-AssignedAccess
Troubleshooting Locked-out Scenarios
Locked-out users facing an unresponsive keyboard on a Windows 11 kiosk should try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del. This action brings up the sign-in screen.
Summary
Remove kiosks from Windows 11 using either the Settings menu or PowerShell to lift restrictions and restore normal computer functionality.
Why is the 'Remove Kiosk' button missing in Settings?
The 'Remove Kiosk' button might be missing in Windows 11 Settings if administrative rights are lacking, or if Group Policy or MDM managed the initial kiosk deployment.
Can I remove a Kiosk account remotely?
Devices managed by an MDM solution like Microsoft Intune allow remote kiosk profile removal through configuration policy updates. Standalone computers require remote access software to execute PowerShell commands as an administrator to delete the assigned access profile.
Does deleting a Kiosk account delete the user profile data?
Deleting the kiosk account through Windows settings or PowerShell removes the user profile and all associated local data. Back up any necessary files stored within that specific user account folder before proceeding with deletion to prevent permanent data loss.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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