Fix “Can’t Switch Out of S Mode” on Windows 11 / 10
If you are stuck in S Mode on Windows 11 or Windows 10, you are not alone. S Mode is designed to improve security and performance by limiting apps to those available in the Microsoft Store and enforcing stricter system policies. While that sounds great on paper, it can quickly become frustrating when you need to install regular desktop apps like Chrome, Photoshop, or development tools.
Normally, switching out of S Mode is a simple one-click process through the Microsoft Store. But sometimes things do not go as planned. You may see errors like “Something happened and we couldn’t start the upgrade” or find that the switch option is missing entirely.
In this guide, I will provide a complete process for fixing the issue so you can successfully switch out of S Mode without guesswork.
Fix “Can’t Switch Out of S Mode” on Windows 11/10
To fix “Can’t Switch Out of S Mode” on Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings, go to System > Activation, click Go to the Store, and complete the switch process. If it fails, reset the Microsoft Store cache, ensure your system is activated, check your internet connection, sign in with a Microsoft account, and install pending updates before trying again.
Now, go into detail to learn in depth!
Step 1: Verify Your Windows Activation Status
Before anything else, you need to confirm that your system is properly activated. This is one of the most overlooked reasons why switching out of S Mode fails.
Open Settings, then navigate to System, and select Activation. Here you should see a message confirming that Windows is activated. If it is not activated, the switch process will not work because Microsoft requires a valid license before allowing system-level changes like exiting S Mode.
If your Windows is not activated, click on Activate now and follow the prompts. If you already have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, it should activate automatically once you sign in.
Activation matters because S Mode is tightly tied to Microsoft’s licensing system. Without proper validation, the Microsoft Store cannot authorize the switch.
Step 2: Open the Correct Microsoft Store Page
A common mistake is trying to search manually for S Mode in the Microsoft Store. That rarely works.
Instead, go back to Settings, then System, and click Activation. Look for the section labeled Switch to Windows Home or Pro, depending on your edition. Click Go to the Store.
This will open the exact page required to exit S Mode. You should see a Get button or an Install option.
Click the button and wait for the process to complete. It usually takes just a few seconds, but sometimes it may appear stuck due to background issues.
If the page does not load or shows an error, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache
The Microsoft Store is the backbone of the S Mode switching process. If it is glitching, the switch will fail.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter. A blank command prompt window will appear for a few seconds, and then the Store will automatically reopen.
This command clears cached data and resolves most Store-related issues without deleting your apps or data.
After the reset, try the S Mode switch again using the Activation page.
This step works because corrupted cache files can prevent the Store from loading the correct upgrade page or communicating with Microsoft servers.
Step 4: Check Your Internet Connection Stability
Switching out of S Mode requires a stable and active internet connection. Even if your connection seems fine, intermittent drops can interrupt the process.
Make sure you are connected to a reliable network. If possible, switch from WiFi to a wired Ethernet connection for better stability.
Also, try opening a few websites or running a quick speed test to confirm your connection is consistent.
If you are using a VPN, disable it temporarily. Some VPN configurations interfere with Microsoft services and prevent authentication.
A stable connection ensures that your system can communicate with Microsoft’s servers and complete the switch process without errors.
Step 5: Sign In with a Microsoft Account
If you are using a local account, this could be the root of the problem.
Go to Settings, then Accounts, and select Your Info. If you see a local account, click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
Enter your credentials and complete the sign-in process.
Switching out of S Mode often requires account-level verification, which only works properly with a Microsoft account. This is especially important if your license is digitally linked.
Once signed in, restart your PC and try the process again.
Step 6: Install Pending Windows Updates
Outdated system files can cause compatibility issues with the Microsoft Store and activation services.
Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Install everything available, including optional updates.
After installation, restart your system even if it is not required.
Updates often include bug fixes for Store apps, activation services, and system components that directly affect the S Mode switch.
Skipping this step can leave your system in a broken state where newer Store processes cannot run properly.
Step 7: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix issues.
Go to Settings, then System, and select Troubleshoot. Click on Other troubleshooters and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
Let it scan and apply any recommended fixes.
This tool checks for permission issues, corrupted files, and configuration errors that may block the Microsoft Store.
It is not always perfect, but it often catches problems that are hard to spot manually.
Step 8: Reinstall or Repair the Microsoft Store
If resetting the cache did not work, repairing or reinstalling the Store is the next logical step.
Go to Settings, then Apps, and select Installed apps. Find Microsoft Store, click on it, and choose Advanced options.
Scroll down and click Repair first. If that does not fix the issue, click Reset.
Repair keeps your data intact while fixing app files. Reset removes app data and restores the Store to its default state.
After this, reopen the Store and try switching out of S Mode again.
Step 9: Use PowerShell to Fix Store Components
For deeper issues, you can use PowerShell to reinstall the Microsoft Store completely.
Search for PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Reset-AppxPackage
Wait for the process to complete, then restart your system.
This command refreshes the Store’s installation and fixes deeper corruption issues that the standard reset cannot handle.
Step 10: Check for Organization or Device Restrictions
If your device was provided by a school or workplace, it might be managed by an organization.
Go to Settings, then Accounts, and select Access work or school. If you see a connected account, your device may have restrictions applied.
These restrictions can block switching out of S Mode.
In this case, you may need to contact your administrator or remove the account if it is no longer needed.
This is especially common on devices enrolled in enterprise management systems.
Tips and Cautions
Always remember that switching out of S Mode is a one-way process. Once you leave S Mode, you cannot go back without reinstalling Windows.
Make sure you actually need to switch before proceeding. If you only use apps from the Microsoft Store, S Mode can provide better security and performance.
Avoid downloading third-party tools that claim to force the switch. These are often unreliable or unsafe.
Keep your system updated regularly to prevent similar issues in the future.
If you are troubleshooting on a laptop, ensure it is plugged in to avoid interruptions during the process.
FAQs
Why is the “Switch out of S Mode” button not working?
This usually happens due to Microsoft Store issues, lack of activation, or network problems. Resetting the Store and checking activation status typically fixes it.
Can I switch out of S Mode without a Microsoft account?
In most cases, no. A Microsoft account is required to authenticate the switch process and validate your license.
Is switching out of S Mode free?
Yes, switching out of S Mode is completely free for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What happens after switching out of S Mode?
You gain full access to install apps from anywhere, including browsers, software tools, and games outside the Microsoft Store.
Can I go back to S Mode later?
No, once you switch out, the change is permanent unless you reinstall Windows.
Summary
Getting stuck in S Mode can feel limiting, especially when the switch process fails without clear reasons. The key is to approach the issue methodically.
Start by confirming your Windows activation, then ensure you are accessing the correct Microsoft Store page. Fix Store-related issues using cache reset, repair, or PowerShell if needed. Make sure your internet connection is stable, your system is updated, and you are signed in with a Microsoft account.
If the issue still persists, check for organizational restrictions or deeper system conflicts.
Once everything is aligned, the switch usually completes in seconds.