Disable S Mode in Windows 11/10
Windows S Mode is designed to provide a more controlled and secure Windows experience, but it also comes with an important limitation. When your PC is running in S Mode, you can normally install apps only through the Microsoft Store. This can be inconvenient if you need to install traditional desktop programs downloaded from the internet.
The good news is that you can disable S Mode without reinstalling Windows or deleting your personal files. The process is available through Windows Settings and is relatively simple, even if you are new to Windows.
Before you begin, there is one important thing to know: switching out of S Mode is permanent. Microsoft does not provide a way to switch the same Windows installation back into S Mode after you leave it.
What is Windows S Mode?
Windows S Mode is a restricted version of Windows designed with security and simplicity in mind. It limits the software you can install and changes how certain features work.
The biggest difference is that S Mode generally allows you to install applications from the Microsoft Store rather than installing traditional desktop applications from anywhere on the web. This restriction can help reduce the chance of installing unwanted or potentially harmful software.
S Mode can be useful for people who want a simpler computing environment. However, it can become frustrating when you need software that is not available through the Microsoft Store.
For example, if you download a traditional Windows application and Windows prevents you from installing it because the PC is running in S Mode, you may need to switch out of S Mode.
Leaving S Mode does not mean that Windows security features are completely disabled. Your computer will continue to have Windows security protections, including Microsoft Defender and other standard Windows security features.
Disable S Mode in Windows 11/10
The process for leaving S Mode is similar on Windows 11 and Windows 10. You do not need to download a special S Mode removal tool, modify the Registry, or reinstall Windows.
The most important part is accessing the correct Settings page and selecting the option to switch out of S Mode.
Step 1: Check Whether Your PC Is Running in S Mode
Before changing anything, confirm that your computer is actually running Windows in S Mode.
On Windows 11, open the Start menu and select Settings. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
In Settings, select System from the left side and then select About. Look for the Windows specifications section. Check the Windows edition listed there.
If your edition indicates that you are using a version of Windows in S Mode, you can continue with the following steps.
On Windows 10, open Settings, select System, and then select About. Look under Windows specifications to check your Windows edition.
This step is useful because S Mode is not something you need to disable on every Windows computer. If your PC is already running a standard edition of Windows, the S Mode option will not appear.
Step 2: Open Windows Activation Settings
After confirming that your PC is running in S Mode, open the Windows Settings application.
In Windows 11, press Windows + I to open Settings. Select System from the left navigation menu and then select Activation.
In Windows 10, press Windows + I, select Update & Security, and then select Activation.
The Activation page contains information about your Windows edition and activation status. It also provides the option needed to leave S Mode.
Take your time here because the wording and layout can look slightly different depending on your Windows version and installed updates.
Step 3: Find the Switch Out of S Mode Section
On the Activation page, look for a section related to Switch out of S Mode.
In Windows 11, you may see a message explaining that your edition of Windows is running in S Mode. Under that information, look for an option such as Go to the Store.
In Windows 10, the wording can be similar, with a link that takes you to the Microsoft Store.
Do not select an option that tells you to upgrade your Windows edition unless that is specifically what you want to do. The option you need is the one associated with switching out of S Mode.
Step 4: Open the Microsoft Store Page
Select Go to the Store or the corresponding Microsoft Store link shown under the S Mode section.
Windows should open the Microsoft Store and take you to the page for switching out of S Mode.
This is an important part of the process. You do not normally leave S Mode by simply changing a Windows Settings switch. Windows uses the Microsoft Store to complete the process.
If the Microsoft Store does not open automatically, make sure you are connected to the internet and try selecting the Store link again.
Step 5: Locate the Switch Out of S Mode Option
When the Microsoft Store opens, look for a page describing how to Switch out of S Mode.
You should see information explaining what happens when you leave S Mode. Read this information before continuing, especially if this is your first Windows PC.
Look for a button labeled Get or a similar option that begins the process.
The exact appearance of this page can change as Microsoft updates the Microsoft Store, but the purpose of the page remains the same. You are looking for the option specifically associated with leaving S Mode.
Step 6: Select Get to Leave S Mode
Select Get on the Microsoft Store page.
Windows will process your request to switch out of S Mode. In most cases, this happens without requiring you to reinstall Windows.
You may briefly see a loading message while Windows completes the change. Do not shut down your computer while the process is taking place.
Once the process finishes, Windows should confirm that you have successfully switched out of S Mode.
Step 7: Confirm That S Mode Has Been Disabled
After leaving S Mode, return to Settings and check your Windows edition again.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > About.
Look under Windows specifications and verify that the S Mode designation is no longer shown.
You can also test the change by downloading a trusted desktop application from its official website. If Windows previously blocked the application because of S Mode, you should now be able to run its installer.
Always download software from a trusted source. Leaving S Mode gives you more freedom to install traditional Windows applications, but it also means you should pay closer attention to where you download software.
Step 8: Restart Your PC If Necessary
In many cases, you can start installing traditional desktop applications immediately after leaving S Mode. However, if Windows still appears to behave as though S Mode is enabled, restart your computer.
Select Start, select the Power button, and then choose Restart.
After Windows starts again, try the application installation once more.
A restart can also help Windows refresh system settings after the change.
FAQs
Can I Turn S Mode Off for Free?
Yes. Switching out of S Mode is free. You do not normally need to purchase another Windows license simply to leave S Mode.
Can I Turn S Mode Back On?
No. Switching out of S Mode is permanent for that Windows installation. Microsoft does not provide a normal option to return to S Mode after switching out.
For this reason, make sure you actually need to leave S Mode before selecting the option.
Will Leaving S Mode Delete My Files?
No. Switching out of S Mode does not normally delete your personal files, installed settings, or documents. It changes the restrictions associated with S Mode.
Nevertheless, maintaining a regular backup of important files is always recommended before making system changes.
Will My Microsoft Account Be Deleted?
No. Leaving S Mode does not delete your Microsoft account. Your account remains available for Windows, Microsoft Store, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services.
Can I Install Apps From Outside the Microsoft Store After Leaving S Mode?
Yes. One of the main reasons people leave S Mode is to install traditional desktop applications that are not available through the Microsoft Store.
After switching out of S Mode, you can generally install compatible Windows applications from trusted sources.
What If I Cannot Find the Switch Out of S Mode Option?
If you cannot find the option, first confirm that your PC is actually running Windows in S Mode.
Also make sure that you are connected to the internet and that the Microsoft Store is working correctly. Windows updates can also change the appearance of Settings, so the wording may not look exactly the same as it does in another guide.
Do I Need to Reinstall Windows to Disable S Mode?
No. You do not need to reinstall Windows simply to leave S Mode. The normal process is handled through Windows Settings and the Microsoft Store.
Does Leaving S Mode Make Windows Unsafe?
Leaving S Mode removes some of the restrictions that limit where you can install applications, but it does not turn off every Windows security feature.
However, you should be more careful about downloaded software. Install programs only from reputable sources, keep Windows updated, and avoid unfamiliar installers.
Summary
Disabling S Mode in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is a straightforward process. First, confirm that your PC is running in S Mode. Then open Settings, go to the appropriate Activation page, find Switch out of S Mode, and select Go to the Store.
From the Microsoft Store, open the S Mode switching page and select Get. Once Windows completes the process, S Mode will be disabled and you will have greater freedom to install compatible desktop applications from outside the Microsoft Store.
Remember that leaving S Mode is permanent, so only make the change if you need the additional flexibility.