How to create a kiosk application

Question

Hi, I wonder how to configure Windows 8 and how to create a touch application, which is supposed to run in a kiosk - ie. users should by able to see just the specific application; they should not by able to use ALT+TAB, nor any similar gestures, use the right panel with Search, Share etc. The only way how to go away from the application should be the regular Windows shutdown using PC's Power button, or using the interface of that application.

Is the Metro UI the right environment for that application which supports an internal business process, for example receipt of goods station, a scale in the butcher's shop etc. while fulfilling the requiremenets above, or it should better suited in the desktop UI?

Answer 1

Metro style apps would not be a good fit for a Kiosk application.  UI activation, system menus and gestures to bring up charms etc... are all under the control of the OS layer and not accessible from the application itself.  There is not a way today to disable this for a Windows Metro Style application. 

You can however program your Kiosk application the way you do today and simply leverage the Metro Style guidlines to give it the look of a Metro Application.  You could generate your UI using HTML/CSS or XAML and bring that in to your desktop application to get the feel of Metro apps as a give you a good starting point for your UI.

Since you will be effectively disabling sharing, the ability to swipe in and dock another app and the other Metro functionality (if you could make a Metro Style app Kiosk Only) you would not have any benifit going with a Metro Style app for your solution.

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Jeff Sanders (MSFT)

Answer 2

Hi Jeff, thank you for your answer and recommendation. I hope that the desktop controls are tuned for touch as well (still waiting for arrival of the touch monitor).

<small>PS: Why are you marking your post as an answer before I have even a change to read it?</small>

Answer 3

Sorry, meant to hit Propose instead :-).  Desktop apps to respond to touch as well!

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Jeff Sanders (MSFT)

Answer 4

Hi all,

i think there should be a way to make a metro app secure from stopping or changing to startscreen etc.

I would like to make a kiosk app on a win 8 RT tablet. But without something like apples "guided access" i have to make it on iPads :(

Is there realy no way to disable the systemgestures and startbutton?