Locking down Windows 10 OS for exam use.

[TaylorHope]

Hi All,

 

I am currently looking at locking down 2 Windows 10 laptops that need to be used for exams. I need to know how I can get rid of the A-Z apps in the start menu so it is completely blank!

 

I also want to be able to disable any sort of spell checker and hide the C:/ drive from there user account.

 

The only thing they can really use is Microsoft word/powerpoint and have access to a folder in which they can save there work to.

 

Does anyone recommend any software that would do this for me? Or steps for me to be able to do this myself?

 

Thanks,

Taylor

[PyROm]

We use classic shell (start menu only) to get an empty start menu.

 

We only let them use wordpad as it doesnt have a spell checker.

 

They are given a blank usb memory stick at the begining of the session and they hand it in with saved work at the end, no access to any drives.

 

To hide c drive we use a gpo, user configuration->policies->administritive templates->windows components->file explorer->prevent access to drives from my computer.

[3s-gtech]

I removed the Start Menu view entirely (still has to be there and actually work) on our exams laptops, and just left the Start layout. Applocker locks down anything they don't need but can get to by searching. Word proofing and spellcheck are disabled, and the machines work on or off the network (Start Menu redirection to a local folder and Start layout held locally can help here). The C:\ drive is hidden and all usual student GP settings are in place (through normal GPOs).

 

We ensure that students only save to a USB stick which can then be printed from. Nothing gets saved to the laptop, so a generic logon is used.

[mavhc]

You trust a usb flash drive that much?

 

Could whitelist exe's perhaps, I do that with Impero, but should be possible with a GPO

 

If it's just one application you can try https://deployhappiness.com/group-policy-kiosk-mode-locking-down/

[3s-gtech]

You trust a usb flash drive that much?

 

Yup, because they're the exams sticks that are managed, handed out and returned to the exams officer. She checks them over. If they die mid-exam, Word will have the recovery capability to retrieve their work. They are regularly renewed too.

[robyholmes]

Be aware you need to block the modern apps via App Locker as well as EXE's. You'll need to allow User Shell for the start menu to work. We found the log off and shutdown buttons don't work unless you allow the settings apps as well. As our students don't log off at the end of the exam themselves we left it blocked. Ctrl+Alt+Del still works so staff will use this.

[mavhc]

alt-f4 probably works too

[Guest Guest]

Windows 10 has a mode specifically for taking Exams see the below Microsoft article https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/education/windows/take-tests-in-windows-10#how-to-use-take-a-test