S Mode limits software installation primarily to applications available through the Microsoft Store. This restriction is intended to provide a more controlled Windows environment and can be particularly useful on devices where simplicity and security are priorities.
When you switch out of S Mode, Windows continues to run normally, but you gain more flexibility. You can install compatible desktop applications from outside the Microsoft Store, subject to normal Windows security protections.
Before starting, make sure you are comfortable leaving S Mode permanently. If you only need a particular application, it is worth checking whether a Microsoft Store version is available first.
Disable S Mode in Windows 11/10
- To disable S Mode in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation, find Switch to Windows 11 Pro or the applicable S Mode section, select Go to Store, and then select Get on the Switch out of S mode page.
- To disable S Mode in Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or applicable S Mode section, select Go to the Store, and choose Get on the Switch out of S Mode page.
- Wait for Windows to complete the process. You normally do not need to purchase Windows just to switch out of S Mode.
- Remember that switching out of S Mode is permanent. You cannot normally switch the same Windows installation back into S Mode afterward.
Step 1: Check Whether Your PC Is Running S Mode
Before changing anything, confirm that your computer is actually using S Mode. This is important because the instructions and available options depend on your Windows edition.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About. Look under Windows specifications and check the Edition information. You can also open Settings > System > Activation to look for information related to your current Windows edition and S Mode.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > About and check the Windows specifications section. You can also navigate through Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
If your PC is not running S Mode, you do not need to perform this procedure. Windows will normally allow you to install compatible applications outside the Microsoft Store, depending on your current app installation settings.
Step 2: Open Activation Settings in Windows 11
If you are using Windows 11, open the Start menu and select Settings. You can also press Windows + I to open Settings directly.
Go to System > Activation. This page contains information about your Windows activation status, edition, and available upgrade or switching options.
Look for the section referring to S Mode. Depending on your Windows edition and version, the wording displayed on the page can vary slightly.
If Windows provides a Go to Store option for switching out of S Mode, select it. Windows should open the relevant Microsoft Store page.
Step 3: Open Activation Settings in Windows 10
The navigation is slightly different if you are using Windows 10.
Open Start > Settings, then go to Update & Security > Activation. You can also reach Settings by pressing Windows + I.
On the Activation page, look for the section associated with Switching out of S Mode. Windows should provide an option such as Go to the Store.
Select that option to open the Microsoft Store page that handles the transition out of S Mode.
Do not select a regular Windows upgrade option simply because you see one on the Activation page. The goal here is specifically to find the Switch out of S mode process.
Step 4: Open the Switch Out of S Mode Page
After selecting Go to Store, the Microsoft Store should open to the appropriate page.
Look carefully at the page title. You should see wording referring to Switching out of S mode. This is important because the Microsoft Store contains many different Windows upgrade and product pages.
On the correct page, look for the Get button.
Selecting Get starts the process of switching your Windows installation out of S Mode. In most cases, this process does not require you to purchase a new Windows license simply to leave S Mode.
If you see a price or an option that appears to be asking you to purchase an edition upgrade, stop and verify that you are on the correct Switch out of S mode page.
Step 5: Select Get to Start the Switch
Once you have confirmed that you are on the Switch out of S mode page, select Get.
Windows and the Microsoft Store will process the request. The exact appearance of the Store may vary depending on your Windows version and Microsoft Store version.
You may see a brief loading period while the request is processed. Avoid shutting down the computer while Windows is completing the operation.
The process is normally much simpler than upgrading or reinstalling Windows. You are changing the operating mode of the existing installation rather than replacing Windows with a completely different operating system.
Step 6: Wait for Windows to Complete the Process
After you select Get, give Windows a moment to finish switching out of S Mode.
Once the operation has completed, you should be able to install compatible desktop applications from sources outside the Microsoft Store.
For example, if you previously tried installing an application downloaded from its official website and Windows prevented the installation because of S Mode, that restriction should no longer apply solely because of S Mode.
You may want to return to Settings > System > Activation in Windows 11, or Settings > Update & Security > Activation in Windows 10, to verify that your system is no longer operating in S Mode.
Step 7: Test App Installation
After leaving S Mode, test the change by installing a trusted application that you previously could not install because of the S Mode restriction.
Always download Windows software from a reputable source, preferably the application’s official website or the Microsoft Store. Leaving S Mode does not mean that every downloaded program is safe.
Windows still includes security features such as Microsoft Defender and other protections, but you should continue to pay attention to download sources, installation prompts, and security warnings.
You Cannot Easily Re-Enable S Mode
This is the step many users overlook.
Switching out of S Mode is permanent. If you decide later that you preferred the restrictions and simplicity of S Mode, there is no ordinary Settings option that lets you simply turn S Mode back on.
That means you should make the decision before selecting Get on the switching page.
If your only problem is that a particular application is unavailable outside the Microsoft Store, first check whether an equivalent Microsoft Store application exists. If the Store version meets your needs, you may not need to leave S Mode at all.
What If the “Go to Store” Option Is Missing?
If you cannot find the Go to Store option, first confirm that your computer is actually running S Mode.
Next, make sure Microsoft Store is installed and functioning correctly. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu and check whether it loads normally.
You should also make sure Windows is connected to the internet. The switching process depends on Microsoft Store services, so a network problem can prevent the appropriate page from loading.
If the Store opens but displays an error, restarting the computer can also help. After restarting, return to Settings > Activation and try the process again.
Another possibility is that your Windows edition does not support the particular S Mode configuration you are expecting. S Mode availability varies by Windows edition and version, so the exact wording shown in Settings may differ from another PC.
FAQs
Can I disable S Mode for free?
Yes. Switching out of S Mode itself does not normally require purchasing Windows. Be careful not to confuse the S Mode switching page with a separate Windows edition upgrade page.
Will disabling S Mode delete my files?
No. Switching out of S Mode is not intended to erase your personal files, applications, or Windows installation. However, it is always smart to maintain a current backup of important files before making significant system changes.
Can I turn S Mode back on later?
No. Leaving S Mode is a one-way change through the normal Windows process. You should treat the decision as permanent.
Does disabling S Mode remove Windows security?
No. Leaving S Mode does not mean that Windows suddenly has no security protections. Windows continues to provide security features, but you gain the ability to install compatible applications from outside the Microsoft Store.
Why does my computer have S Mode?
S Mode is designed to provide a more controlled Windows experience. It restricts software installation and can help reduce the range of applications that users can install. This can be useful for certain devices and users, but it may be inconvenient if you need traditional desktop software.
Do I need to reinstall Windows after disabling S Mode?
No. You normally do not need to reinstall Windows. The official S Mode switching process changes the operating mode of the existing Windows installation.
Can I install apps outside the Microsoft Store after switching?
Yes. After leaving S Mode, you can generally install compatible desktop applications from outside the Microsoft Store. You should still use trusted software sources and pay attention to Windows security warnings.
What should I do if Microsoft Store does not open?
First, check your internet connection and restart Windows. Then open the Microsoft Store again and make sure you are signed in appropriately. If the Store itself has a problem, resolve that issue before attempting the S Mode switch again.
Bottom Lines
Disabling S Mode in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is straightforward when the appropriate option is available. In Windows 11, start with Settings > System > Activation. In Windows 10, use Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
From there, use the Go to Store option and select Get on the Switch out of S mode page.
The biggest thing to remember is that leaving S Mode is permanent. Once you make the switch, you gain greater freedom to install desktop applications from outside the Microsoft Store, but you cannot simply restore S Mode through Windows Settings.
For most users who need traditional Windows applications, switching out of S Mode can remove an unnecessary limitation.
Just make sure you actually need that flexibility before making the change.