How to Turn Off/On S Mode in Windows 11 [2 Quick Methods]
- S Mode in Windows 11 is used to increase security, as it only allows you to use apps from the Microsoft Store.
- Although it provides an extra layer of security for your devices, it does have its limitations.
- If you are one of those who want to get out of S Mode, simply using your PC settings and Microsoft Store will resolve it for you.
First introduced to S Mode four years ago with Windows 10, Microsoft announced that users can expect to see it in Windows 11 as well.
Although it provides extra security and increased performance for your devices, it doesn’t mean everybody is happy with this feature as people are already looking for ways to disable it.
So what is Windows S mode? This mode is exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store so if you want to install an app that isn’t available in the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to switch out of S mode.
However, you need to be careful as switching out of S mode is a one-way decision. If you decide to go through with it, you won’t be able to go back to Windows 11 in S mode.
This feature is also present in the previous version, and we already wrote how to disable S Mode on Windows 10, so you might want to check that guide as well.
What are Windows 11 S mode pros and cons?
As already mentioned, Windows 11 S mode allows you to run only apps from the Microsoft Store. By doing so, Microsoft ensures that you’re running only software that is tested to be safe and malware-free.
While additional security is always welcome, you’re missing out on a wide array of third-party software, and that is the main drawback of S Mode.
Although the feature has its benefits, many users, especially advanced ones, are choosing to disable this feature.
How do I turn off S Mode on Windows 11?
1. Use Windows Settings
- Click on Start and open Settings.
- Navigate to Activation.
- Look under Switch to Windows 11 Home or Switch to Windows 11 Pro. Here, the name will vary based on the version of Windows 11 you are running.
- Here, select Open Store. Pay attention not to click on the Go to the Store option under the Upgrade Your Edition Of Windows. That’s a different process that will keep you in S mode.
- On the Switch out of S mode page that will appear in the Microsoft Store, click on the Get button.
- Click the Install button.
- Follow the instructions for confirmation.
- You can now install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.
Sometimes you might get a message saying Try again later something went wrong on our end.
To see how to fix that, move to the next solution.
2. Reset Microsoft Store
- Click on Start and open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Go to Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft Store, click on the three dots next to it and choose Advanced options.
- Locate the Reset button and click on it.
- After the process finishes, reboot your device.
- Now try to exit S mode again.
Once you have disabled S Mode on your Windows 11 device you’ll be able to use any web browser and download any app that isn’t in the Microsoft Store.
You should however think twice before making this decision as S Mode was designed to give you faster boot times, longer battery life, and better security.
How do I turn on S Mode on Windows 11?
As we said before, enabling S Mode on your Windows 11 device is no longer an option if you’ve switched it off.
In case you choose to upgrade your version of Windows without switching out of S mode will keep your device in S mode.
Keeping your device in S Mode is recommended especially for families with children because of the extra security.
But if you want to use your PC with no limitations, turning off S mode will give you freedom on your computer usage.
Windows 11 S mode vs Home, which is a better choice? In our opinion, Home Edition is always better since it gives you more freedom to install any app.
However, if you’re not an advanced user, and you want to make your PC as safe as possible, then maybe the S Mode is the right choice for you.
Many apps are available on the Microsoft Store, and you can install Chrome in Windows 11 S mode along with many other commonly used applications.
If you want to know a bit more about Windows 11 features, you definitely should check out this article and discover how Windows 11 compares to Windows 10.
And if you have any suggestions or more questions regarding S Mode, just let us know what you think in the comments section below.
