How to Exit S Mode in Windows 11

This article describes how to switch out of S Mode in Windows 11.

Some devices come preinstalled with Windows 11 Home in S mode by the original equipment manufacturer and are shipped to consumers.

Windows 11 in S mode is a streamlined version for security and performance while providing a familiar Windows experience.

When you use Windows in S mode, you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn’t available in the Microsoft Store, or if you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education and want to upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll need to switch out of S mode permanently.

You can switch out of Windows S mode, but you won’t be able to return to it, and it’s free.

Below is how to switch out of Windows S mode in Windows 11.

How to switch out of S mode in Windows 11

As described above, some devices come preinstalled with Windows 11 Home in S mode by the original equipment manufacturer and are shipped to consumers.

If you want to install apps outside the Microsoft Store, switch out of S mode in Windows 11.

Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you switch out of S mode, you’ll need to keep using the standard version of Windows 11.

Below is how to do that in Windows 11.

On your Windows 11 in S mode, click the Start menu and select Settings.

 Within the Settings app, select System on the tile.

On the right, select the Activation tile to expand.

On the System -> Activation settings pane, click on the S mode tile to expand.

Click the Open Store button on the expanded tile, as highlighted below.

The button will open the Microsoft Store. Then click the Get button under “Switch out of S mode.”

It should switch your device out of S mode when you do that. You will see an all-set message when done.

You should now be able to install apps outside of the Microsoft Store.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Switching out of S mode in Windows 11 allows you to install apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store.
• You cannot return to it once you switch out of S mode, which is irreversible.
• After following the outlined steps, you should receive confirmation that your device has successfully switched out of S mode.
• You now have the freedom to install a wider variety of apps on your Windows 11 device.

Frequently Asked Questions