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Windows 11 S Mode: What Is It and How to Turn It Off
Everything you need to know about S Mode
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows is one of the most used operating systems worldwide, primarily due to the plethora of available options. But it, too, offers a more restricted and safer environment, which is the S Mode in Windows 11.
It is designed for performance and security and there’s anS Mode in Windows 10as well. Yet not many people know about it. So we decided to list everything about it to provide you with a better understanding of Windows 11 S Mode vs Home.
What is Windows 11 S Mode?
S mode offers a slightly restricted environment to users compared to the regular editions of the OS. Here are some of the key features:
That’s a decision based on several factors. For instance, S Mode is the preferred choice for a student’s laptop since it offers a restricted environment, but due to the same reasons, a normal user would switch out of S Mode in Windows.
So, let’s find out the Windows 11 S mode pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
How can I turn off S Mode in Windows 11?
1. Via Windows Settings
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Click onStartand openSettings.
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Navigate toActivation.
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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.
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SelectOpen Store.Pay attention not to click on theGo to the Storeoption under theUpgrade Your Edition Of Windows.That’s a different process which will keep you in S mode.
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On theSwitch out of S modepage that will appear in the Microsoft Store, click on theGetbutton.
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Click theInstallbutton.
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Follow the on-screen instructions until your receive a confirmation.
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You can now install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.
If you want to turn off S mode because it has unwanted restrictions,you can easily do so using Windows Settings. This is a built-in menu on your Windows 11 device, that can be accessed in just a few clicks.
Sometimes you might get a message sayingTry again later something went wrong on our end.To see how to fix that, move to the next solution.
2. Reset Microsoft Store
Once you have disabled S Mode on the device, you’ll be able to use any web browser and download any app that isn’t in the Microsoft Store.
But do remember that you can’t re-enable Windows 11 S Mode in Dell or other devices once you have moved out of it. So, weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision before you proceed.
And if you choose to opt out of S Mode, here are thebest applications for Windows 11that you should install today!
If you have any suggestions or queries regarding the S Mode, let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
