What is Assigned Access in Windows devices

Windows Assigned Access is a powerful feature in Windows 10 and 11 that allows IT administrators to lock down a device, restricting its use to a single app or a limited set of pre-defined applications. It’s a key tool for creating a secure, focused, and controlled user experience—often referred to as a kiosk mode—for shared or public-use devices in environments like retail, healthcare, and education.

Key Benefits for IT Administrators

Using Assigned Access brings significant advantages to IT teams:

• Reduced Support Tickets: By limiting user access to only the necessary apps, you prevent common issues and reduce the number of support requests.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: It protects the device and sensitive data by blocking unauthorized access to system files, settings, and other applications.
• Streamlined User Experience: Users are presented with a clean, focused interface that prevents them from getting distracted or lost in the OS.
• Improved Performance: With only essential apps running, the device operates more efficiently and boots up faster.

How to Set Up Assigned Access

Method 1: Manual Setup (For a Single Device)

This method is suitable for configuring a small number of devices individually.

1. Create a new local or standard user account on the Windows device. This account will be the one used for the kiosk.
2. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Under “Assigned access,” click Get started.
4. Select the user account you created and choose the specific Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app you want to run.

Method 2: Using a UEM Solution (For Scale)

For businesses with a large number of devices, a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution is the most efficient and scalable approach. It allows you to configure and deploy Assigned Access remotely from a central dashboard.

With a UEM like Scalefusion, you can:

• Enroll your Windows devices to the UEM platform.
• Create a device profile for your kiosk.
• Configure the apps, settings, and other security policies from the dashboard.
• Apply the profile to multiple devices at once, automating the setup process.

This approach provides a streamlined, hands-free deployment and offers advanced features like remote troubleshooting and real-time monitoring.

Best Practices for Deployment

To ensure a successful implementation, follow these best practices:

• Test Thoroughly: Always test your kiosk configuration on a single device before deploying it across a large fleet.
• Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off any services or features that are not required for the kiosk application to improve performance and security.
• Use an MDM: For any large-scale deployment, using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) or UEM solution is highly recommended for efficient and secure management.

Windows Assigned Access is a powerful tool for creating a secure and focused user experience. While it’s easy to set up on a single device, leveraging a UEM solution is the best way to fully unlock its potential for large-scale deployments, ensuring your devices are always secure, compliant, and operating as intended.