Important Note: There’s a difference between Appspace App for Windows and Appspace App for Universal Windows Platform (UWP WebView2). Appspace App for Windows is a standard executable file that launches at startup. Appspace UWP is the Microsoft Store version and allows you to use the native Windows Assigned Access (Kiosk mode) function. This topic pertains to Appspace App for Windows, not UWP. Both installers are available in Appspace: Top left menu icon > System > Downloads.
Problem: When the local Windows account logs in, the desktop and taskbar displays for a moment before the Appspace software launches. Not only is this unattractive for signage, but it can also indicate to nefarious actors that this endpoint is an easy target for network exploitation. It’s easy to exit the software with keyboard shortcuts like Windows key or CTRL ALT DEL to close it and access the Windows desktop.
Disclaimer: This method isn’t intended to serve as a true security measure. It’s to add attractiveness and reduce the temptation for someone to tamper with the signage PC. Please work with your internal cybersecurity teams to ensure proper security methods are implemented.
Solution: Set the Appspace app software as the “Shell” application and limit CTRL ALT DEL. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on Start Menu
- Type “regedit”
- Right-click Registry Editor > Open as Administrator
- Navigate the side bar tree to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
- In the pane to the right, right-click > new String value > call it “Shell”
- Find the directory where the Appspace executable lives. Typically, it’s "C:\Users\[current user]\AppData\Local\Programs\appspace-app-dev\Appspace App.exe". To confirm the path on your specific PC, find the desktop icon for Appspace App and right-click > Properties > copy what’s in the Target field
- Paste the directory path into the Shell value data
- When the Appspace user logs in, you’ll never see the desktop in the background.
- To limit CTRL ALT DEL, follow these steps to modify Local Group Policy Editor: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/178296-how-remove-lock-computer-ctrl-alt-del-screen-windows.html