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S mode keeps your PC secure, but to take full advantage of Windows 11, you'll need to deactivate it in Settings
ByRobert Earl Wells III
Updated on November 15, 2023
In This Article
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In This Article
- What It Is
- Check if It's Active
- Turning Off S Mode
- Restrictions
- Benefits
- Installing Apps
What to Know
- To see if S mode is active: Start > Settings > System > About. Look next to Edition for S mode.
- To turn off S mode: Start > Settings > System > Activation > Go to the Store > Get.
- To download apps in S mode: Open Microsoft Store, find the app you want, and tap Get.
This article explains Windows 11 S mode and how to use it. S mode is only available in Windows 11 Home; it's not supported in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
What Is S Mode?
With your Windows 11 PC in S mode, you can only download and use approved apps. New Windows 11 computers sometimes come with S mode activated to keep the device secure. If you try to open an unapproved app, you'll get a pop-up message directing you to the Microsoft Store. To use apps outside of the Microsoft Store, you must turn off S mode.
Do I Have Windows 11 S Mode on My Computer?
To determine if your Windows 11 PC is in S mode, follow these steps:
Select the Start menu (the Windows symbol) on the taskbar.
Select Settings.
Select System on the left, and then About on the right.
Under Windows specifications, look next to Edition to see which version of Windows 11 you're running. If it says S mode, then your device is in S mode.
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How to Turn Off Windows S Mode
To unlock the full version of Windows, you can turn off S mode in Settings.
Open Settings from the Start menu.
Go to System > Activation.
Select Go to the Store in the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section. If you don't see that option, expand the S mode menu and select Open Store.
Alternatively, open the Switch out of S mode Store link on Microsoft's website.
Select Get on the page that opens in Microsoft Store.
It's free to get out of S mode, but there's no way to return to it should you change your mind later.
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What Are the Restrictions for Windows 11 S Mode?
S mode limits what you can do with Windows 11 in several ways:
- You can only download apps available in theMicrosoft Store.
- Microsoft Edgeis always the default browser, although you can use other browsers.
- You can't access advanced tools like Terminal or the Windows Registry.
What Are the Benefits of Windows 11 S Mode?
Keeping your PC in S mode could have several benefits:
- S mode can help you stay focused on work or school.
- It limits the apps your children can access.
- You're unlikely to download malware.
- Your computer will boot up faster.
How to Install Apps on Windows 11 in S Mode
In S mode, you can download apps through the Microsoft Store:
Open the Microsoft Store app. If you don't see this on the taskbar (the shopping bag with the Windows logo), look for it through a search via the Start menu.
Browse the featured apps on the main screen or use the search bar at the top to search for apps.
Select the app you want. If it's free, select Get to download the app. If the app costs money, select its price and choose a payment method to begin the download.
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Uninstalling apps in Windows 11 works the same in normal mode and S mode: Right-click the app from the Start menu and choose Uninstall.
FAQ
What is Windows 10 S Mode?
S Mode is the same regardless of which version of Windows you're running. It has the same restrictions, and you disable it the same way.
How do I switch back to S Mode?
Once you deactivate S Mode, you can't easily go back. The only way is by factory-resetting your computer, which will delete everything and reinstall Windows.
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