How to Switch out of "S" mode in Windows 10 & 11

Windows S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that is not available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.   There is no charge to switch out of S mode.

Instructions

Switching Out of S Mode Windows 10

1. On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation.

2. In the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select Go to the Store.

   • If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.

   • If already using Windows 10 Pro, select Go to Store.

3. On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Getbutton. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.

Switching Out of S Mode Windows 11

Windows 11 in S mode is only available in the Windows 11 Home edition.  If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, Windows Update will not offer Windows 11 because S mode is not available in those editions of Windows 11.  Therefore, if you have the Pro, Enterprise or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, you'll need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11.

1. On your PC running Windows 11 in S mode, open Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation.

2. In the Switch to Windows 11 Pro Section,  select Go to the Store.

   • If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.

3. On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Getbutton. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store

Environment

• Windows 10 S Mode

• Windows 11 S Mode

Risk