Setup Chrome Kiosk Mode on Windows: Steps, Issues and Solutions

While Windows is the most widely used OS worldwide, Google Chrome is considered one of the most reliable, secure, and customizable browsers. It’s the reason why most business’ administrators want to restrict their employees’ devices to run only the Chrome browser for web research and other work-related uses.

These can be transforming a Windows device into an informational kiosk, an educational/working device with limited possibilities of distractions, optimize patient check ins in healthcare environment, and more.

1 Setup Chrome Kiosk Mode on Windows: Steps, Issues and Solutions

The Most Used Method - Add Chrome As Shortcut Tab

Issues & Solutions During Chrome Kiosk Mode Setup Process

Kiosk Mode Fails to Launch After Setup

When setting up Google Chrome Kiosk Mode in Windows, one of the most common issues you can encounter is that Chrome fails to launch after setup. This can happen for (usually) a couple of reasons:

• Incorrect Parameters: The kiosk mode doesn’t start if there is an error in the syntax of the command used to launch Chrome. Check your commands and make sure that there aren’t any misplaced spaces, quotation marks, and typos.
• User Permissions: Make sure that you have the necessary administrative privileges when setting up Chrome Kiosk Mode, or the kiosk mode will fail to launch.
• Conflicts with other Applications: Other applications might interfere with the kiosk mode. Before launching it, make sure to shut down any other application. In particular, make sure you shut down every service running in the background.

Unable to Limit Chrome Browser to a Single Tab

Chrome Browser Kiosk Mode is intended to open a single tab. A common issue that can occur is that, once launched the kiosk mode, Chrome allows multiple tabs, defeating the purpose of the kiosk mode. This can happen for several reasons and this is how you can troubleshoot it:

• Make sure you shut down the Chrome Browser completely before launching the kiosk mode.
• When creating the shortcut, in the Target field, add a starting page by typing: --kiosk http://www.xxx.com

Full Screen Shortcuts Doesn't Work

Sometimes, the Chrome Kiosk Mode can face issues with the full-screen shortcuts (like F11 or Ctrl+Shift+F) that don’t work.

This mainly happens because, when launched, correctly, Chrome is displayed full screen without the need to use shortcuts.

In particular, the command --kiosk launches Chrome, in kiosk mode, full screen. So, make sure you’ve used the right command, and there are no syntax errors, and Chrome will automatically launch full-screen, without any need for shortcuts.

Unable to Run HTML File in Chrome Kiosk Mode

Chrome Kiosk Mode is designed to display web-based content. So, by default, it may not allow to run HTML files for security restrictions. Therefore, to run HTML files, you need to provide the necessary permissions.

• Use this additional command --allow-file-access-from-files to enable Chrome to open local HTML files. The full command should look like this: --kiosk --allow-file-access-from-files

Task Manager Still Accessible in Chrome Kiosk Mode

When in Kiosk Mode, users might still be able to access the Task Manager. This should be fixed because, being able to access the Task Manager, users can exit the Chrome Kiosk Mode or interfere with it.

If you’re experiencing this issue, you can use Registry Editor to disable the task manager. This is how you do it:

• Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win+R and typing regedit

• Navigate to the following:

  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

• In the System key, right-click in the right pane and select Nex, then DWORD (32-bit) Value
• Name the value DisableTaskMgr
• Double-click on DisableTaskMgr
• Set the value to 1

Difficult to Exit Kiosk Mode

Because the entire Windows system is locked into the Chrome Browser application, it can be tricky for admins to exit the kiosk mode.

When both shortcuts and task manager are disabled, the most effective way of exiting the Chrome kiosk mode on Windows is to restart the system and reset the session.

But make sure to avoid setting up the system to automatically boot the kiosk mode when restarting.

Chrome Settings or Session Data May Not Persist After Restart

When you want Chrome to persist after restart, you need to set the kiosk mode to be automatically launched upon restart.

To do so, after creating the Chrome Kiosk shortcut, you just need to place the shortcut folder in the Windows Startup folder. This will cause Chrome to start automatically whenever the system is restarted.

If you also want Chrome to restore the last data session upon restart, you need to add the command –restore-last-session when creating your shortcut. So, instead of only using –kiosk, you need to type --kiosk --restore-last-session

Chrome Extension Isn't Working

When Chrome extensions don’t work when the system in kiosk mode, you need to manually enable them by modifying the Kiosk Mode shortcut you’ve previously created. In particular, after locating the shortcut folder:

• Right-click on it and select Properties
• In the Target field, add the following command: --load-extension=”C:\path-to-extension-folder”

2 Alternative Solution for Create Chrome Kiosk Mode

While configuring Chrome shortcuts to kiosk mode suits most businesses, those requiring high device and data security still consider methods that strictly limit access and support remote configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

The most appropriate method for business organizations to enforce Chrome kiosk mode on Windows devices is by using an MDM solution.

Here are some advanced features that provide optimized kiosk mode for businesses:

Branding

In Kiosk mode, the administrator can customize the home screen and lock screen of Windows devices.

Only Allow Access to a Specific URL

Setting kiosk mode with MDM software enables enterprises to add specific URLs to access by users on managed devices. It helps them ensure focused work with high productivity and engagement.

Only the Admins Have Permission to Exit

The kiosk mode set on company devices using MDM software is highly secure and effective because MDM software allows only admins to exit kiosk mode from admin console. End-users can only use the device with restricted mode and not leave it themselves.

Configure Chrome Remotely to Suit Your Needs

The most suitable feature of MDM software for enterprises is the comprehensive support to manage Chrome browser settings like security, basic, network, and other settings. It helps them ensure a smooth and secure working environment.

3 Chrome OS Kiosk Mode vs. Chrome Kiosk Mode in Windows

Chrome Kiosk Mode in ChromeOS and Windows offer similar functionalities. After all, they both lock the system to only run the Chrome Browser with its extensions. However, they differ in setup and management.

In ChromeOS, setting up the kiosk mode can be easier: in the Admin Console, you can find a Kiosk settings tab that allows you to set up the single-app kiosk mode. In Windows, instead, you need to set up a shortcut, which requires more and more complex steps.

The management is also more straightforward in ChromeOS because it’s made from the same Admin Console admins use for the setup. In Windows, on the other hand, admins may need to intervene on the shortcut, adding command lines and moving folders in the right place.

In the short term, while both systems allow the same level of flexibility, Windows requires more manual configuration compared to ChromeOS.

4 Use Cases

Retailers

Retailers and customer support centers deploy Windows Chrome kiosk to serve customers with interactive information kiosks where they can easily check production details, descriptions, pricing, and availability of products.

These devices are also used as self-service kiosks for order placement and transactions to reduce waiting times and improve work productivity.

Educational institutes

Many educational institutes use Chrome kiosk mode in libraries and computer labs with restricted access to educational websites, ensuring productive learning and preventing personality damage with unnecessary usage.

Chrome kiosk mode also serves as information kiosks to assist students with routine announcements and admission details and to display campus maps.

Healthcare

Chrome kiosk mode is helpful to prevent data leakage or loss as the data on devices is sensitive. They are used for optimized patient check-ins, appointment scheduling, and information kiosks to inform visitors of the latest health issues. Setting kiosk mode with healthcare websites and apps helps doctors and medical staff learn new things and focus on work.

Transportation

Setting Windows devices with Chrome kiosk mode lets administrators provide instant and easily accessible flight details. Travelers can easily check their flight schedules without human interaction.

It displays real-time updates and emergency information for travelers to act immediately. Some kiosks also help in booking tickets and pay the fees immediately. It helps a lot in preventing missing flights.