Assigned Access - Setup for Account in Windows 8.1

How to Set Up an Account for Assigned Access in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1

information   Information
In Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, Kiosk Mode has been renamed to "Assigned Access". Assigned access sets a local standard user account to only run a single Windows Store app when signed in to, and the account not able to do anything else on the PC or device. This can be used for things like a learning application for kids in an educational setting, a customer service application at a boutique, or having an account that your kids can only use say the Xbox Games app in.


This tutorial will show you how setup a local standard user account for assigned access of a single default Windows Store app in Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to set up an account for Assigned Access.

Note   Note
To sign out of assigned access, you can quickly press Windows :winkey: button (Surface) or Windows :winkey: key (all PCs) five times while signed in to the account used for assigned access to then be able to sign in to any other account on the PC. You don't actually sign out of the account doing this. Instead it's basically the same as lock.

To actually sign out of the assigned access account, you could either restart the PC, or sign out the account in Task Manager (option six at link) like below while signed in to any administrator account.

Task_Manager.jpg



Here's How:

1. Open PC settings, and click/tap on Accounts on the left side. (see screenshot below)
Assigned_Access-1.jpg

2. Click/tap on Other accounts on the left side of "Accounts", and click/tap on the Set up an account for assigned access link on the right side. (see screenshot below)
Assigned_Access-2.jpg

3. Do step 4, 5, 6, or 7 below for what you would like to do.

4. To Choose or Change an Account to Use for Assigned Access
A) Click/tap on either + Choose an account to choose an account, or the currently chosen account (ex: Test) to change. (see screenshots below)​
Assigned_Access-3.jpg
Assigned_Access-3B.jpg
B) Click/tap on a listed local standard user account that you want to use for assigned access, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-4.jpg

5. To Stop Using Assigned Access
NOTE: This is the default setting. This will no longer have any account used for assigned access anymore that can be used normally again.
A) Click/tap on the currently chosen account (ex: Test). (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-8A.jpg
B) Click/tap on the Don't use assigned access link at the top, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-8.jpg

6. To Choose or Change an App that this Account can Access
A) If you have not already, you must do step 4 first.​
B) Click/tap on either + Choose an app to choose an app, or the currently chosen app (ex: Help + Tips) to change. (see screenshots below)​
Assigned_Access-5.jpg
Assigned_Access-5B.jpg
C) Click/tap on a listed Windows Store app that you want the account from step 4 to only be able to access, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-6.jpg

7. To Don't Start an App when the Account is Signed in
NOTE: This is used to leave the account selected at step 4 for assigned access, but to allow the account to sign in normally until you choose an app in step 6 again.
A) Click/tap on the currently chosen app (ex: Help + Tips). (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-5B.jpg
B) Click/tap on the Don't start an app when the account is signed in link at the top, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)​
Assigned_Access-7.jpg

8. When finished, you can close PC settings if you like.

9. To apply any changes, you will need to either restart the PC or sign out the account (step 4) used for assigned access.
NOTE: See the blue note box at the top of the tutorial for more details.


That's it,
Shawn


 

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Last edited:
I was trying to do this...does this work on 8.1 Pro preview?

when i get to the "manage other accounts" i don't see "Set up an account for assigned access" :shock:

hope someone can help me
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium Dual core
    Memory
    2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 7050
    Hard Drives
    285GB
    PSU
    Tesla 750W
    Internet Speed
    5 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
Hello John,

Yes, this feature is available in Windows 8.1 Pro (RTM).

It wouldn't be available in the Windows 8.1 Preview builds.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I have a Surface and I want to know if you can sign out using the Windows button on the Surface but not on the keyboard since I don't have a touch or type keyboard.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (64 bit)
I have a Surface and I want to know if you can sign out using the Windows button on the Surface but not on the keyboard since I don't have a touch or type keyboard.

If you mean just signing out of your account then click the picture on the top right hand corner of the start screen, there is a sign out option there
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Pentium Dual core
    Memory
    2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 7050
    Hard Drives
    285GB
    PSU
    Tesla 750W
    Internet Speed
    5 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
I have a Surface and I want to know if you can sign out using the Windows button on the Surface but not on the keyboard since I don't have a touch or type keyboard.

If you mean just signing out of your account then click the picture on the top right hand corner of the start screen, there is a sign out option there

Well I have Assigned Access on and I want to know if pressing the Windows button on the tablet 5 times will restart the tablet so I can login to Administrator.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (64 bit)
Hello Aleung, and welcome to Eight Forums.

I just tested this on a Surface Pro 2, and if you press the Windows :winkey: case button 5 times, it will also sign the user out. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
You're most welcome. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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