Configure Take a Test in kiosk mode

Executing Take a Test in kiosk mode is the recommended option for high stakes assessments, such as mid-term exams. In this mode, Windows will execute Take a Test in a lock-down mode, preventing the execution of any applications other than Take a Test. Students must sign in using a test-taking account.

The configuration of Take a Test in kiosk mode can be done using:

  • Microsoft Intune/MDM
  • a provisioning package (PPKG)
  • PowerShell
  • the Settings app

When using the Settings app, you can configure Take a Test in kiosk mode using a local account only. This option is recommended for devices that aren't managed. The other options allow you to configure Take a Test in kiosk mode using a local account, an account defined in the directory, or a guest account.

Tip

While you could create a single account in the directory to be the dedicated test-taking account, it is recommended to use a guest account. This way, you don't get into a scenario where the testing account is locked out due to bad password attempts or other factors.

An additional benefit of using a guest account, is that your students don't have to type a password to access the test.

Follow the instructions below to configure your devices, selecting the option that best suits your needs.

You can use Intune for Education or a custom profile in Microsoft Intune:

  • Intune for Education provides a simpler experience
  • A custom profile provides more flexibility and controls over the configuration

Important

Currently, the policy created in Intune for Education is applicable to Windows 10 and Windows 11 only. It will not apply to Windows 11 SE devices.

If you want to configure Take a Test for Windows 11 SE devices, you must use a custom policy.

Configure Take a Test from Intune for Education

To configure devices using Intune for Education, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the Intune for Education portal
  2. Select Groups > Pick a group to configure Take a Test for
  3. Select Windows device settings
  4. Expand the Take a Test profiles category and select + Assign new Take a Test profile
  5. Specify a Profile Name, Account Name, Assessment URL and, optionally, Description and options allowed during the test
  6. Select Create and assign profile

Intune for Education - creation of a Take a Test profile.

Configure Take a Test with a custom policy

To configure devices with Microsoft Intune, create a custom policy and use the following settings:

Setting
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/LocalPoliciesSecurityOptions/InteractiveLogon_DoNotDisplayLastSignedIn
  • Data type: Integer
  • Value: 1
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/WindowsLogon/HideFastUserSwitching
  • Data type: Integer
  • Value: 1
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/SharedPC/AccountModel
  • Data type: Integer
  • Value: 1
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/SharedPC/EnableAccountManager
  • Data type: Boolean
  • Value: True
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/SharedPC/KioskModeAUMID
  • Data type: String
  • Value: Microsoft.Windows.SecureAssessmentBrowser_cw5n1h2txyewy!App
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/SharedPC/KioskModeUserTileDisplayText
  • Data type: String
  • Value: Take a Test (or a string of your choice to display in the sing-in screen)
  • OMA-URI: ./Vendor/MSFT/SecureAssessment/LaunchURI
  • Data type: String
  • Value: <provide testing URL>
  • Intune portal - creation of a custom policy to configure Take a Test.

    Assign the policy to a group that contains as members the devices or users that you want to configure.

    How to use Take a Test in kiosk mode

    Once the devices are configured, a new user tile will be available in the sign-in screen. If selected, Take a Test will be executed in kiosk mode using the guest account, opening the assessment URL.

    How to exit Take a Test

    To exit the Take a Test app at any time, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. You'll be prompted to sign out of the test-taking account, or return to the test. Once signed out, the device will be unlocked from kiosk mode and can be used as normal.

    The following animation shows the process of signing in to the test-taking account, taking a test, and exiting the test:

    Signing in and signing out with a test account