Chrome Kiosk Mode: Cross-Platform Implementation & Issues

What is Chrome Kiosk Mode?

Chrome Kiosk Mode is a feature that locks Google Chrome to display a single website or web app in full-screen, restricting usernavigation and access to other browser functions or the underlyingoperating system. It's commonly used for digital signage or public terminals.

Here are some effective setup methods, you can choose the one suits you the best.

1 Must-Know Highlights for Every Method

Method 1. Google Admin for Chrome Devices

This method is the top pick for businesses and educational institutions managing a fleet of devices running Chrome OS.

Core Steps: You'll log into your Google Admin console, select the Kiosk Mode option, configure URL whitelists (to allow access only to approved websites), and lock the Chrome OS version (to prevent update conflicts with your kiosk app).

Two Key Modes:

1. Auto-Launch: The device automatically launches a specific application in full-screen upon startup, like a restaurant ordering system. This is perfect for dedicated, single-purpose kiosks.

2. Public Session: Designed for multiple, temporary users, where no data is saved between sessions, similar to public library computers.

Method 2. Apply a Third-party MDM solution

Using an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution offers powerful remote management capabilities for Windows devices running Chrome in kiosk mode.

Key Advantage: MDM allows you to batch-push policies to multiple Windows devices. For example, you can easily restrict access to non-whitelisted websites or disable developer tools across your entire fleet.

Critical Actions (using AirDroid Business as an example): You'd enroll your devices with AirDroid Business, create a policy (defining your kiosk rules), bind the devices to that policy, and then enable "Single app kiosk mode" to lock down Chrome.

Method 3. Lock down Chrome Browser with Extension

This is a very simple method, ideal for individual use cases where you need to quickly turn a PC into a dedicated browser.

3 Simple Steps: Open chrome://extensions, enable developer mode in Chrome, input an application ID, and restart the device.

Best For: Individuals who want to dedicate their PC to a specific browser function, such as an information lookup machine at an exhibition.

Method 4. Add Chrome As Shortcut Tab

This method uses a simple command-line argument to launch Chrome directly into kiosk mode.

Core Command: Add --kiosk https://yourtargetwebsite.com to the "Target" field of a Chrome shortcut.(Example: C:\Chrome\chrome.exe --kiosk https://www.airdroid.com)

Important Notes: You'll need to press ALT+F4 to exit kiosk mode. This method is suitable for temporary use due to its lower stability, and enterprises should use it with caution.

2 Troubleshooting Guide: Common Issues with Shortcut Setup

Issue 1. Kiosk Mode Fails to Launch After Setup

When setting up 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.

Issue 2. 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

Issue 3. 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.

Issue 4. 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

Issue 5. 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

Issue 6. 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.

Issue 7. 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

Issue 8. 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”

3 Summary: 3 Key Questions for Choosing a Method

Q1. How many devices do you have?

Single device: Choose Method 3 (Browser Lockdown) or Method 4 (Shortcut).

Multiple devices: Opt for Method 1 (Google Admin) or Method 2 (MDM Solution).

Q2. Do you need remote management?

Yes: Use an MDM (Method 2).

No: The Shortcut method (Method 4) might suffice.

Q3. Are your security requirements high?

High: Go with Google Admin (Method 1) or an MDM (Method 2).

Low: Browser Lockdown (Method 3) could be sufficient.

Share: