Windows Kiosk mode does not launch app in full-screen: use app-level launch parameters as workaround

Windows

When you configure a Windows device with Kiosk mode in Esper, the designated application may launch in a standard window instead of full-screen. This article explains why this happens and how to work around it using app-level launch parameters.

Why your app isn't launching in full-screen

Esper's current Windows Kiosk mode implementation does not enforce full-screen launch at the platform level. Instead, the application's own default behavior determines whether it opens maximized or in a standard window. This means you need to configure your application to launch in full-screen on its own.

Before you begin

Check your application's documentation to see if it supports command-line launch parameters that force full-screen mode. Common examples include:

• --start-fullscreen
• --kiosk
• /fullscreen

If your application is browser-based or Electron-based, it likely supports one of these flags.

How to configure your app for full-screen launch

1. Locate the launch parameters or startup arguments for your application. Depending on the app, this may involve:
   • Updating the application's shortcut or .exe startup arguments
   • Modifying the application's own settings or configuration file
   • Updating the source code if the application is internally developed
2. Add the appropriate full-screen parameter to the launch configuration.
3. If you updated any Esper-side configuration (such as the app launch path or arguments), re-deploy your Kiosk Blueprint.
4. Reboot the device and verify that the application opens in full-screen mode automatically.

What if your app doesn't support full-screen parameters?

If your application does not expose any launch-time parameters for full-screen mode, you have two options:

• For internally developed applications: Update the application code to enforce full-screen programmatically on startup. For example, in.NET you can set WindowState = FormWindowState.Maximized when the application launches.
• For third-party applications: If the application does not support this capability, you cannot currently work around this limitation in Esper.

Reference: Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a validated reference for full-screen Kiosk mode parameters. Edge supports both --start-fullscreen and --kiosk flags to launch in full-screen automatically. If your application is browser-based, similar parameters are likely available. For more details, see Microsoft's Edge kiosk mode documentation.

Still need help?

If you're unable to resolve this issue or need assistance configuring your application, contact Esper Support. include your Blueprint configuration and device details so we can assist you further.