Why does Metadefender Kiosk require a Blank CD/DVD to copy files to?

Summary

When using Metadefender Kiosk to export files to a CD/DVD, whether through File Handling → Copy to Secondary Location or by retrieving files from an MFT server, the Kiosk may prompt the user to “insert an empty media” and will not accept a partially written one.
This behavior is expected. Metadefender Kiosk always closes (finalizes) the disc session after writing files, preventing further data from being added later.

Root Cause

Metadefender Kiosk is designed as a security-focused, controlled file transfer appliance.
To maintain the integrity and auditability of exported media, the Kiosk Finalizes (closes) the CD/DVD session immediately after writing.

Once a disc is finalized:

• No additional files can be written

• The disc is effectively read-only

• A new write attempt will require a new blank CD/DVD

This ensures that exported media cannot be modified after scanning or transferred outside the validated workflow.

Why Windows Allows Multisession but the Kiosk Does Not

Windows 10/11 supports multisession writing using “Live File System” mode, which leaves the disc unfinalized so users can add files later.

Metadefender Kiosk intentionally does not support multisession discs, due to security risks such as:

• Adding unscanned files after export

• Bypassing workflow controls

• Compromising audit logs

• Creating unverifiable media used for cross-domain transfer

Multisession support would undermine the trust and traceability required in secure environments.

Resolution / Workaround

There is no workaround that enables writing multiple times to the same CD/DVD using Metadefender Kiosk.

To export additional data:

• Use a new blank CD/DVD, or

• Export to a different secondary location (e.g., USB drive, network share) that allows multiple write sessions.

Additional Notes

• Finalizing the disc protects the integrity of exported media according to security and compliance requirements.

• Previously written discs can still be read by Windows, but are not writable by the Kiosk.

• Attempting to use a partially used “open session” disc created by Windows will also be rejected.