How to set up Kiosk mode on Windows 11

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
published

If you need to set up a kiosk device for the organization, event, or home, in this guide, we'll show you how on Windows 11.

Windows 11 set up Kiosk mode
Windows 11 set up Kiosk mode (Image credit: Windows Central)

Kiosk mode on Windows 11 is a feature that has been around for many years that converts a traditional device into a single-purpose device that runs only one application. You would typically use this feature to set up a computer as a kiosk machine for guests to access the internet, fill out an application, or convert a device into a digital sign to demo a product or promote your business.

Whatever the situation might be, when using this mode, the computer will sign in automatically and launch only one application in full-screen mode using a restricted user account that won't let anyone access the desktop, change settings, or switch to a different app.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through enabling, configuring, and disabling Kiosk mode on your computer.

How to enable Kiosk mode on Windows 11

To enable Kiosk mode on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Set up a kiosk" section, click the Get started button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Add a name to create a Kiosk profile. For example, office_kiosk.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Select the app to load in Kiosk mode.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Choose how the app will run (if applicable).Quick note: This setting will differ depending on the application. In this case, we are selecting the "As a public browser" option because we are setting up a computer that will be used to browse the internet.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Confirm the website to load with Microsoft Edge in Kiosk mode.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the minutes of inactivity before restarting the application (if applicable).
  2. Click the Next button.
  3. Click the Close button.

Once you complete the steps, sign out of the primary account and sign in with the Kiosk account to load the application.

If you want to exit the session to shut down, restart the device, or sign in with another account, you will need to use the Ctrl + Alt + Del keyboard shortcut to bring up the options to sign out.

How to customize Kiosk mode on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can change the settings of the current Kiosk configuration or the application as needed.

Change Kiosk settings

To change the Kiosk settings on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Sign in with the administrator account.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Click on Accounts.
  4. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Set up a kiosk" section, click the Kiosk (active) setting.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the application.
  2. Change the settings as needed.

After you complete the steps, the new settings will apply the next time to load the Kiosk account on the computer.

Change Kiosk app

To change the app of a current Kiosk configuration, use these steps:

  1. Sign in with the administrator account.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Click on Accounts.
  4. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Set up a kiosk" section, click the Kiosk (active) setting.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the application.
  2. Click the Change kiosk app button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the new app

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Click the Cancel button (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the new app will load the next time you access the Kiosk account.

How to disable Kiosk mode on Windows 11

To disable the Windows 11 Kiosk mode, use these steps:

  1. Sign in with the administrator account.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Click on Accounts.
  4. Click the Family & other users page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Set up a kiosk" section, click the Kiosk (active) setting.
  2. Select the application.
  3. Click the Remove kiosk button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Remove button.

After you complete the steps, the Kiosk mode will be removed from Windows 11.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.