Use Google Chrome in Kiosk Mode. I just did some research and found something awesome. Chrome can start in Kiosk mode out of the box. Great for locking down and displaying any kind of web appication! This is what you do:
- Create a new chrome.exe shortcut
- Add –kiosk –kiosk-printing flags to the chrome.exe target shortcut
- Add the url of the kiosk as the starting page in Chrome settings (or replace chrome.exe with “chrome.exe –kiosk http:// [enter URL here]”)
- Drag the shortcut into the startup folder so it loads automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google Chrome Kiosk Mode
What is the difference between Kiosk Mode and Full-Screen Mode in Google Chrome?
Kiosk Mode and Full-Screen Mode in Google Chrome are two different features that serve different purposes. Full-Screen Mode simply maximizes the browser window to fill the entire screen, hiding the taskbar and other windows. However, the user can easily exit this mode. On the other hand, Kiosk Mode is a more specialized feature. It not only maximizes the browser window but also restricts user access to the rest of the computer. This mode is typically used in public places where users are only allowed to interact with a specific website or application.
How can I exit Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome?
Exiting Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome is not as straightforward as exiting Full-Screen Mode because it’s designed to restrict user access. However, you can exit Kiosk Mode by pressing the Alt + F4 keys together on your keyboard. This command will close the browser window, effectively ending Kiosk Mode.
Can I use Kiosk Mode on a Mac?
Yes, you can use Kiosk Mode on a Mac. The process is similar to that on a Windows PC. You need to open Terminal, type the command “/Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome –kiosk http://www.yourwebsite.com” and press Enter. Replace “www.yourwebsite.com” with the URL of the website you want to display in Kiosk Mode.
Is it possible to run multiple tabs in Kiosk Mode?
No, Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome is designed to run a single website or application in full-screen mode. It does not support multiple tabs. If you need to display multiple websites, you will have to create separate instances of Chrome running in Kiosk Mode for each website.
Can I disable certain features like right-click or zoom in Kiosk Mode?
Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome does not inherently provide the option to disable specific features like right-click or zoom. However, you can achieve this by using additional tools or extensions, or by modifying the website or application you’re displaying to disable these features.
How can I automatically start Chrome in Kiosk Mode when my computer boots up?
To automatically start Chrome in Kiosk Mode when your computer boots up, you need to add Chrome to your system’s startup programs and modify the command to start in Kiosk Mode. The process varies depending on your operating system.
Can I use Kiosk Mode on a Chromebook?
Yes, you can use Kiosk Mode on a Chromebook. In fact, Chromebooks have a special type of Kiosk Mode called “Public Session” that’s specifically designed for use in public spaces.
Is Kiosk Mode secure?
Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome is designed to restrict user access to the rest of the computer, making it more secure than regular browsing. However, it’s not completely foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other security measures.
Can I use extensions in Kiosk Mode?
No, extensions are not supported in Kiosk Mode in Google Chrome. This mode is designed to run a single website or application in full-screen mode without any distractions or additional features.
Can I use Kiosk Mode on a mobile device?
No, Kiosk Mode is not available on the mobile version of Google Chrome. It’s primarily designed for use on desktop computers or kiosk machines.
Sam DeeringSam Deering has 15+ years of programming and website development experience. He was a website consultant at Console, ABC News, Flight Centre, Sapient Nitro, and the QLD Government and runs a tech blog with over 1 million views per month. Currently, Sam is the Founder of Crypto News, Australia.
