tablet - Lock down Windows 8 to run only one app

07
2014-07
  • the_egg

    I am looking to lock down/restrict a Windows 8 tablet to run only one app. The tablet will be used as a remote control for a networked audio system (via a dedicated wifi network with no internet access).

    Ideally I want to make this as foolproof as possible, so that any person at the venue can only access the one application, and not accidentally 'mess up' or 'get lost' in Windows. However I also want to retain the ability to make changes to the system myself (or indeed anyone else working on my behalf).

    My thoughts are to create two user accounts: an Administrator (password-protected) account and an End-User account (not password-protected). I am looking for a way to force the audio system app to start as soon as the End-User is signed in, and also for a way to make the Start button function purely to turn the screen on. I figured that I can set the audio app to run fullscreen and always on top by default, this should remove the possibility of closing the app and accessing the desktop, right?

    Regarding the Start button, could I just unpin all other apps from the Start menu other than the audio remote app, or is there still a way to navigate to the desktop or other system settings from here?

    I am open to any and all suggestions, though this is my first time using Windows 8 and the deadline is close, so it is slightly a baptism of fire! The tablet is an Acer Iconia W3-810 by the way.

    Many thanks in advance for any advice!

    • Answers
  • jeruntime

    A quick google search turned up a feature in Windows 8.1 called kiosk mode which will lock the windows into a single app. I don't believe this feature to be in windows 8, so you might have to upgrade to 8.1, which is a free upgrade, but might cause incompatibility with some software that you are running.

    Here is an article about kiosk mode:

    http://www.geek.com/microsoft/windows-8-1-kiosk-mode-locks-systems-to-a-single-app-1552963/

    edit: one thing to note is that the "hot corners" is still enabled in kiosk mode. You can disable multitasking with apps in the metro settings app. (so that you can't swipe in from the left and select another app)


    • Related Question

    Disable cursor ring for tablet in Windows 7/8
  • Lukas Cenovsky

    When I installed my Bamboo tablet in Windows 7/8, a ring shows anytime I click with the pen. Which annoys me.


    • Related Answers
  • saveenr

    There's a new option. Wacom recenly (June 2013) released a new driver: Version 6.3.6-w3

    The new driver seems to completely disable the pen rings and works in both Windows 7 and Windows 8 - I've tried it on 3 Windows 8 machine and 2 Windows 7 machines and can confirm its behavior on Intuos 4 and Intuos 5 tablets.

    To use the new Driver:

    • Install the Driver (you will be asked to reboot if you already have a previous driver)
    • From the Start Menu or the Control Panel go to Wacom Tablet Properties
    • For Tablet, select your tablet device
    • For Tools, select your pen
    • For Application, select All
    • Then select the Mapping tab
    • At the bottom left of the Mapping tab, uncheck Use Windows Ink
    • Close Wacom Tablet Properties
    • You are done - you should see no more dynamic feedback/ripples or other effects such as drag-delay or press-and-hold

    More details are here: http://viziblr.com/news/2013/6/24/the-windows-and-wacom-tablet-nightmare-is-over.html

  • Lukas Cenovsky

    Windows 7

    I have found the solution:

    1. Open Local Group Policy Editor. It is quite hidden - search for it in Windows Start menu or in Control panel - use the search box as I have not found the shortcut for it. Alternatively you can run gpedit from command line (not from Run in Start menu).

    2. Navigate to User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Tablet PC - Cursor.

    3. Enable the Turn off pen feedback setting.

    Windows 8

    See Windows 8 RTM and Wacom Tablets - Even More Flawed Than Before

    My current solution is to install old drivers: DRIVER 5.24-6 RC FOR WINDOWS 7, VISTA (32 AND 64 BIT) AND XP

  • saveenr

    The instructions involving the Group Policy Editor will work for Windows Professional and Ultimate. But it doesn't work on Windows 7 Home Premium - because Home Premium doesn't have a Group Policy Editor.

    Essentially you'll need to modify the registry to disable the rings. There's a REG file at the bottom at the link below that will do this for you

    http://viziblr.com/news/2011/8/14/the-ultimate-guide-to-making-your-wacom-tablet-work-on-windo.html

  • Vincent Oliver

    Download the latest driver from Wacom and go to the Mapping tab and uncheck the Use Windows Ink box - hey presto circles have gone. Too simple, but took Wacom long enough to get there