I have a Windows 8.1 RT tablet that I'd like to allow users to run one of our kiosk desktop applications. We are using RemoteApp to publish it (from WS2012 Essentials). The application is designed to run in kiosk mode (a feature of the application) and it works well. However, because I am running it as a RemoteApp on a tablet, users can still swipe in from the side to get the charms bar or tap the Windows icon on the tablet to bypass the kiosk mode.

I tried to be sneaky and use the built in kiosk mode of 8.1 and allow the Modern app Remote Desktop (published by Microsoft) for a local user. This does actually run Remote Desktop and properly lists the RemoteApp as one the Work Resources. However, it won't let me open it.

I just want to run this RemoteApp on the tablet and restrict users from bypassing it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi,

For this issue,since the system isn't a Windows embedded, we need to enable Kiosk Mode in Windows 8.1 via Assigned Access

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/assigned-access

As you said, you cannot open Remote APP using Remote desktop app.

Did you get any error message?

For this issue, we need to troubleshoot this metro app.

I think you need to give us more detailed description about using this app.

Regards,

Perhaps I should have been more clear, I did enable Assigned Access and enabled Remote Desktop (Modern App). Remote Desktop (Modern App) is in fact the only app that will run. However, when I select the RemoteApp from the list of available Work Resources, it tries to open and then closes; as if it were running in a separate (and unauthorized) app from Remote Desktop (Modern App). I will look into logs, but in the meantime, would AppLocker provide similar functionality?

Hi,

AppLocker helps administrators control which applications and files users can run. These include executable files, scripts, Windows Installer files, dynamic-link libraries (DLLs), packaged apps, and packaged app installers.

As you said,you have a Windows 8.1RT,so we cannot use applocker feature.

Please check the following location in the event view.

Event Viewer>Applications and Services Logs>Microsoft>Windows>APPS

Event Viewer>Custom Views>Administrative Events

Also,upload the error message so that we can help you analyze them.

Regards,

Here are the event Logs:

APPS

Level Date and Time Source Event ID Task Category
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:25 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:25 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:25 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:22 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:22 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:21 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:21 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.
Information 4/2/2014 10:52:20 AM Microsoft-Windows-Immersive-Shell 5950 (5950) The app Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe!Microsoft.RemoteDesktopClient was activated for the Windows.Launch contract successfully.

Administrative Events

Level Date and Time Source Event ID Task Category
Error 4/2/2014 10:52:46 AM Microsoft-Windows-EmbeddedAppLauncher 10025 Embedded App Launcher Failed to create the launcher: Unknown HResult Error code: 0x410498

I think the Remote Desktop (Modern App) is calling the RemoteApp desktop app. Obviously, since assigned access is meant for Modern Apps, using this method as a kiosk probably won't work. Would you agree? If so, is there a way to disable the charms bar and the start button on the bottom center of the tablet?

Hi,

Did you find a solution for this, or did you get stuck like me?

/Tim

Has anyone found a solution for this dilemma?

I simply would like to limit a client to only the RemoteApps that are populated through GPO.

Thanks,
Sean

I know this is an older post but it accurately describes the issue and am wondering if anyone found a resolution?

To clarify, when using the Remote Desktop app from the Windows Store and connecting to a Remote Desktop Services site, the remote desktop connections are being opened with the mstsc.exe program instead of natively within the app. This is causing issues when attempting to enable Kiosk Mode (Assigned Access) for the Remote Desktop app. Since mstsc.exe is outside the Remote Desktop app it will not run in Kiosk Mode.

Thanks for any input!

Justin-psu, I still have no solution for this either.

Sean