This tutorial explains how to remotely update the SiteKiosk Online client software on a locked-down Windows device using the management portal. Based on the video demonstration, you will learn how to check installed versions, select eligible devices, schedule an update, monitor installation progress, and confirm that your kiosk returns to its original project.
Before you begin
The update process demonstrated in the video supports devices running SiteKiosk Online version 1.4 or higher. Devices running an earlier version require a manual installation or another deployment method. The video updates a device from version 1.8 to version 1.11.95; these are demonstration versions, not a statement of the latest available release.
Plan for a temporary service interruption while the software installs and Windows restarts. Test the update on one device before updating the rest of your deployment, and schedule production updates during periods of low usage.
See video tutorial below or scroll down for the step-by-step text version.
Step 1: Sign in and check the installed software version
- Sign in to your existing account in the SiteKiosk Online management portal, where you can remotely monitor and manage your devices.
- Open the Monitoring tab and select List view.
- Locate the SiteKiosk Version column to see which software version each device is running.
- Sort by the SiteKiosk Version column to identify devices running older versions.
- Identify a device running version 1.4 or higher to use for your initial test update.
Step 2: Create an update job
- Open the Control menu.
- Select the Updates tab.
- Click the green New Update button.
- Search for and select the device you want to update from the list of eligible devices.
- Enter a recognizable name for the update job so you can easily find it when checking progress.
Step 3: Schedule and assign the update
- Choose when the update should run, preferably during a maintenance window or a period when the kiosk is used the least.
- If your kiosks operate around the clock, review their daily usage reports to help identify a quieter time for maintenance.
- For an immediate test, select the option to run the update as soon as possible, as shown in the video.
- Review the selected device and schedule, then click Assign to submit the update job.
Step 4: Monitor the update job
- Open the update job in Control > Updates to review its progress.
- Check the initial Pending status, which indicates that the update has not yet started processing on the device.
- Watch for the status to change to Update order received as the device receives the update instruction.
- Continue checking the job details as the updater processes prerequisites and installs the client software.
Step 5: Allow the device to complete installation
- Expect the kiosk interface to be replaced by a maintenance screen indicating that an update is in progress.
- Allow the updater to complete any prerequisite updates and install the SiteKiosk Online client software.
- Expect Windows to sign out of the kiosk user account during the process so the kiosk software can close and installation can continue.
- Allow Windows to restart and SiteKiosk Online to launch again.
- Confirm that the device returns to its original kiosk project.
In the video, the complete update took just under 10 minutes. Treat this as an example rather than a guaranteed maintenance window; the demonstrated timing does not establish how long every device will take.
Step 6: Verify completion before updating additional devices
- Return to Control > Updates and open the update job.
- Confirm that the job shows the device as completed and displays a success message at the end of the installation steps.
- Return to Monitoring > List view and check the SiteKiosk Version column to verify the installed version.
- Check that the original project displays correctly and that its main functions work as expected.
- After validating the test device, repeat the process for the remaining eligible devices and schedule their updates during appropriate maintenance windows.
Updating devices running a version earlier than 1.4
According to the video, devices running a version earlier than 1.4 cannot use the demonstrated portal-based update process. Update these devices manually or use another deployment method.
- Sign in to SiteKiosk Online and open the Dashboard.
- Open the Downloads tab and download the appropriate installer for the device.
- On the device, close SiteKiosk and sign in to Windows with an administrator account.
- Run the downloaded installer and complete the installation.
- Follow the SiteKiosk Online download and installation tutorial for additional installation and startup instructions.
Related kiosk management resources
Keeping kiosk software updated is one part of maintaining a secure deployment. Review these self-service kiosk security considerations for additional guidance on software updates, access controls, network security, and user privacy.
For workplace deployments, explore the benefits of HR kiosks for employee self-service and the customizable Human Resources Services kiosk free template. For shared-access environments, learn more about securing public-access computers.
FAQ: Remotely updating SiteKiosk Online
Q: Which versions support the remote update process shown in the video?
A: Devices running SiteKiosk Online version 1.4 or higher can use the demonstrated process under Control > Updates. Earlier versions require a manual update or another deployment method.
Q: How can I check which version is installed on a device?
A: Open Monitoring, select List view, and check the SiteKiosk Version column. You can sort this column to identify devices running older versions.
Q: Do I need to exit kiosk mode manually before starting a remote update?
A: Not for the supported remote update process demonstrated in the video. The updater handles the maintenance screen, closes the kiosk software, signs out of Windows, and restarts the device as part of the update.
Q: Can I schedule an update outside normal operating hours?
A: Yes. When creating the update job, choose a time that minimizes disruption. For kiosks used around the clock, review daily usage reports to identify periods of lower activity.
Q: Should I update every device at once?
A: The video recommends testing the update on one device first. Verify that the update succeeds and the kiosk operates correctly before updating the rest of your deployment.
Q: What will users see during the update?
A: In the demonstration, the normal kiosk interface changes to a maintenance screen. Windows then signs out and restarts before the device returns to the original project.
Q: How long does the update take?
A: The demonstrated update took just under 10 minutes. This timing applies to the example in the video and should not be treated as a guaranteed completion time for every device.
Q: How do I confirm that the update was successful?
A: Check the update job for a completed status and a success message. Then verify the software version in Monitoring > List view and confirm that the device has returned to its original project.
Q: Does this process update Windows or publish a new kiosk project?
A: This tutorial covers updating the SiteKiosk Online client software installed on the device. It does not describe deploying Windows updates or publishing a new project; the demonstrated device returns to its existing project afterward.