How to Switch out of S mode in Windows 11

javier penas 7GS60WPaY8w unsplash scaled
javier penas 7GS60WPaY8w unsplash scaled

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 version of Windows that’s streamlined 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 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 go back to it, and it’s free to do so.

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, you must 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 on the Start menu and select Settings.

Windows 11 new settings button

 Within the Settings app, select System on the tile.

windows 11 system in settings app
Windows 11 system in the settings app

On the right, select the Activation tile to expand.

windows 11 activation in system settings app
Windows 11 activation in the system settings app

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.

windows 11 activation s mode open store button
Windows 11 activation s mode open store button

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

windows 11 switch out of s mode get button
Windows 11 switch out of the s mode get button.

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:

This post showed you how to switch out of s mode in Windows 11. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.

Posted by
Richard W

I love computers; maybe way too much. What I learned I try to share at geekrewind.com.

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