Virbe Documentation
AppsKiosk AppOS and Software

Windows Setup

Configure Windows 10 or 11 for Virbe Metahuman Kiosk operation – automatic login, startup, power settings, and kiosk hardening.

The Virbe Kiosk application runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 (64-bit). Out-of-the-box Windows is not optimised for unattended kiosk operation. This page covers the Windows configuration needed for a reliable, automatically recovering kiosk.

Initial Windows Setup

Install Windows

Use Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro (64-bit). The Pro edition is required for certain remote management and domain-join features that are useful in managed deployments.

During setup, create a local user account (not a Microsoft account) for the kiosk. Give it a simple username with no spaces (e.g., Kiosk). You can set a password for security, but configure auto-login to bypass it on startup (see below).

Install GPU Drivers

Download and install the latest NVIDIA drivers from nvidia.com/drivers. Do not use the drivers installed by Windows Update – these lag behind and sometimes omit enterprise features. Choose the DCH (Declarative Componentized Hardware) driver for most installations.

Install Windows Updates

Apply all pending Windows updates before installing the Virbe Kiosk application. Restart as required. After the initial update pass, configure updates to run during off-hours only (see Scheduled Updates below).

Auto-Login Configuration

For a kiosk that must restart automatically and return to the running application without human intervention, configure Windows to log in automatically.

  1. Press Win + R and type netplwiz → press Enter
  2. Select the kiosk user account
  3. Uncheck "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer"
  4. Click OK and enter the account password when prompted
  5. Restart to verify that Windows logs in automatically

Startup Application Launch

Configure the Virbe Kiosk app to launch automatically when Windows starts:

Method 1 – Startup Folder (simple)

  1. Press Win + R and type shell:startup → press Enter
  2. Create a shortcut to the Virbe Kiosk application executable in this folder
  3. The app will launch after login on every startup

Method 2 – Task Scheduler (more control)

  1. Open Task Scheduler (search in Start menu)
  2. Click Create Basic Task
  3. Name it "Virbe Kiosk" and set the trigger to When I log on
  4. Set the action to Start a program and browse to the Virbe Kiosk executable
  5. Under Conditions, uncheck "Start the task only if the computer is on AC power" if the kiosk uses a laptop or UPS
  6. Under Settings, check "If the task fails, restart every" and set a retry interval (e.g., 1 minute, up to 3 times)

Task Scheduler provides auto-restart capability if the app crashes, which is useful for unattended deployments.

Power Settings

Prevent Windows from sleeping, hibernating, or turning off the display during kiosk operation:

  1. Settings → System → Power & Sleep

    • Set "Screen" to Never (on battery and on power)
    • Set "Sleep" to Never

  2. Open Power Options (search in Control Panel) → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings:

    • Hard disk → Turn off hard disk after: set to Never
    • Sleep → Sleep after: set to Never
    • Sleep → Hibernate after: set to Never
    • Display → Turn off display after: set to Never

  3. BIOS settings: Set the power management to restore power on after power loss (setting name varies by motherboard – look for "AC Power Recovery", "Restore on AC Power Loss", or similar).

Scheduled Windows Updates

Unscheduled Windows updates that force a restart will interrupt the kiosk. Manage this:

  1. Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Active hours: Set active hours to match your kiosk operating hours (e.g., 08:00–22:00). Windows will not restart for updates during this period.

  2. Group Policy (Pro only): For more control, use the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to configure update deferral and maintenance window settings.

Windows Defender and Antivirus

Windows Defender is sufficient for kiosk machines that do not accept arbitrary file inputs. Add a Windows Defender exclusion for the Virbe Kiosk application folder to prevent real-time scanning from interfering with the application's file access.

Settings → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Exclusions → Add or remove exclusions

Kiosk Hardening (Optional)

For public-facing kiosks where users should not be able to access Windows:

  • Disable the taskbar: Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings → Auto-hide the taskbar (or use a third-party tool like TaskbarX for more control)
  • Disable keyboard shortcuts: Use Group Policy to block Win key, Ctrl+Alt+Del, and other shortcuts that could expose the desktop
  • Windows Assigned Access (Kiosk Mode): For maximum lockdown, Windows 10/11 Pro includes an Assigned Access feature that restricts the device to a single application. Configure via Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Set up a kiosk.
  • Physical security: Ensure the keyboard and mouse are not accessible to the public (lock in the enclosure). Consider using a USB-blocker for unused USB ports.

Remote Access

Set up remote access for Virbe kiosk machines so you can troubleshoot, update, and manage installations without being on-site.

Customer Experience

Tune how end users experience the Virbe Kiosk – avatar appearance and animation, microphone setup, and speech detection mode.

On this page

Initial Windows SetupInstall WindowsInstall GPU DriversInstall Windows UpdatesAuto-Login ConfigurationStartup Application LaunchMethod 1 – Startup Folder (simple)Method 2 – Task Scheduler (more control)Power SettingsScheduled Windows UpdatesWindows Defender and AntivirusKiosk Hardening (Optional)