How to Set Up a Kiosk on Windows 11

A kiosk is a special computer mode that locks a PC to one single app. It is perfect for public displays, information booths, or digital signage. Because the computer is restricted to one program, users cannot mess with your files or system settings.

Why use a Kiosk?

You use a kiosk when you want to show specific information to the public without giving them access to the rest of the computer. It keeps your PC safe and focused on its task.

What happens when done?

Once finished, the computer will automatically open your chosen app whenever the kiosk user logs in. The user will be trapped inside that app until you log them out.

Note: You must have administrative privileges to perform these steps. User Account Control (UAC) must be enabled on your system. You must also be signed in to the computer physically; this cannot be done via remote desktop.

The kiosk account must be a limited or standard user account, not an administrator.

How to set up Kiosk mode

To start, you will need to access your system settings. You can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard or go to Start > Settings.

In the Settings window, click on Accounts and then select Family & other users.

Look for the Set up a kiosk section and click the Get Started button.

A window will pop up asking for a name. You can use a generic name like “Kiosk” and click Next.

If you have already made a standard user account, you can select it from the list instead of creating a new one. Choose an existing standard or limited account if you have one ready.

Next, pick the app you want to run when the computer starts. This is the only app the user will see.

If you choose Microsoft Edge, you get two choices:

• Digital sign or interactive display: This shows a website in full screen. It is great for showing information.
• Public browser: This gives users a web browser to use in a public setting.

On the next screen, type in the website address you want the browser to open automatically. You can also choose how often the browser should restart to clear out old data for security.

Click Next to finish the setup.

Everything is now ready. Close the Settings app and restart your computer to test it out. When the kiosk user signs in, your chosen app will take over the whole screen.

Summary

Setting up a kiosk on Windows 11 is a simple way to secure a public-facing computer. By using the Assigned Access feature found in the Settings app, you can lock a machine to a single app. This prevents unauthorized access to your files and ensures the computer stays focused on its intended purpose. Always remember to restart your computer after the setup is complete to verify that the kiosk mode launches correctly.