Kiosk Mode (also known as Assigned Access) in Windows allows administrators to lock a device so that users can access only a specific application. It is commonly used in public kiosks, digital signage, retail terminals, and shared workstations where limited access is required.
However, users sometimes encounter issues where Kiosk Mode fails to start, the assigned app does not launch, the device logs in to a normal desktop instead of the kiosk interface, or the configuration does not apply correctly. These issues are usually caused by incorrect setup, unsupported apps, account configuration problems, or Windows feature conflicts.
If Kiosk Mode is not working in Windows 11 or Windows 10, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
How to Fix Kiosk Mode Not Working in Windows 11
Work through the methods in order. After completing a step, test Kiosk Mode again.
1. Verify Kiosk Mode Is Configured Correctly
Incorrect setup is one of the most common causes.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Other users.
- Click Set up a kiosk.
- Select the kiosk user account.
- Choose the application that should run in kiosk mode.
- Complete the setup and restart your PC.
Ensure the correct user account and application are selected.
2. Check That the Assigned App Is Supported
Not all applications support Kiosk Mode.
Supported apps usually include:
- Microsoft Edge
- UWP apps from the Microsoft Store
- Some system applications
Traditional desktop programs may not function properly in Assigned Access mode.
If the selected app does not support kiosk mode, try choosing another compatible app.
3. Use a Local User Account
Kiosk Mode works best with a dedicated local account.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Accounts > Other users.
- Click Add account.
- Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Create a new local account for kiosk use.
After creating the account, configure Kiosk Mode again.
4. Remove and Reconfigure Kiosk Mode
If the configuration becomes corrupted, resetting it may help.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Other users.
- Click Set up a kiosk.
- Select the kiosk account.
- Click Remove kiosk.
- Restart your PC.
- Configure Kiosk Mode again from the beginning.
This resets the Assigned Access configuration.
5. Update Windows
Outdated Windows builds may cause kiosk configuration issues.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates.
- Restart your PC.
Updates often fix system feature bugs.
6. Check Group Policy Settings (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
Kiosk Mode may be restricted by policy settings.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type: gpedit.msc
- Press Enter.
- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Assigned Access
- Ensure policies are not blocking kiosk configuration.
Adjust the settings if necessary.
7. Restart Explorer and System Services
Sometimes system services responsible for user sessions may malfunction.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Sign out and log back into the kiosk account.
This refreshes the Windows shell environment.
8. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files may interfere with Assigned Access.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- Enter: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait for the scan to finish.
- Restart your PC.
Windows will repair damaged system files automatically.
9. Run DISM Scan
If SFC does not resolve the issue:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait for the scan to complete.
- Restart your PC.
This repairs deeper system image corruption.
Conclusion
If Kiosk Mode is not working in Windows 11 or Windows 10, the issue is usually caused by incorrect configuration, unsupported applications, corrupted system files, or outdated Windows builds. In most cases, removing and reconfiguring the kiosk setup or using a dedicated local user account resolves the problem quickly.
By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to restore Kiosk Mode functionality and configure a secure single-app environment for your device. If the problem persists, reviewing group policy restrictions or updating Windows may help identify the underlying cause.
