What Is Kiosk Mode (Assigned Access) in Windows and How to Set It Up
Lock a PC to a single app for public or dedicated-use terminals with Assigned Access.
Overview
Kiosk Mode (Assigned Access) restricts a Windows account to a single app — ideal for information terminals, digital signage, or shared single-purpose PCs. This guide shows how to set it up, customize it, and remove it.
Kiosk Mode in Windows 10 and 11.
Key Takeaways
- Assigned Access locks an account to one app.
- Great for public/dedicated terminals and signage.
- A dedicated local account runs the kiosk.
- You can change the kiosk app or remove kiosk mode any time.
Limitations
- One app per kiosk account (single-app mode).
- The app should support kiosk/full-screen use (UWP works best).
- Users can’t access other apps, settings, or the desktop.
- Set up on an account other than your main admin account.
Set Up Kiosk Mode
1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users (or "Family & other users").
2. Under "Set up a kiosk", click Get started.
3. Create/choose a kiosk account name.
4. Select the single app to run.
5. Choose how it behaves (e.g., restart if it closes) and finish.
Enter and Use Kiosk Mode
1. Sign out and sign in to the kiosk account.
2. The chosen app launches full-screen with no access to other apps.
3. To exit, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and switch users (as an admin).
Change or Remove Kiosk Mode
1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > the kiosk under Assigned Access.
2. To change the app: expand the kiosk account and choose a different app.
3. To remove: expand the kiosk account and click "Remove kiosk", then confirm.
Troubleshooting
Problem: App won’t run in kiosk mode.
Solution: Use a UWP/Store app or one that supports single-app kiosk; some desktop apps aren’t compatible.
Problem: Can’t exit the kiosk.
Solution: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to sign out and switch to an admin account.
Problem: Kiosk account missing options.
Solution: Set it up from an administrator account; the kiosk account itself is restricted.
Problem: App closes and doesn’t reopen.
Solution: Enable the auto-restart/relaunch behaviour during setup.
Conclusion
Assigned Access turns a Windows PC into a locked-down, single-app kiosk in a few steps. Create a dedicated kiosk account, pick the app, and users are confined to it — with easy options to change the app or remove kiosk mode when you’re done.
