How to Switch Out of Windows 11 in S Mode (A Quick and Easy Step‑by‑Step Guide)

Windows 11 in S mode is great for security and performance, but it can feel limiting when you want to install apps that are not available in the Microsoft Store. Many people only discover S mode when they try to install Chrome, a game launcher, or a desktop app and get blocked. This guide walks through what S mode is, what you lose and gain by turning it off, and exactly how to switch out of S mode safely on Windows 11.

To get out of S mode on Windows 11, you use the Microsoft Store “Switch out of S mode” page that opens from the Activation settings in the Settings app, and the change is free and permanent. Before switching, it is important to understand that you can never turn S mode back on once you leave it.​

What Windows 11 S mode is

Windows 11 in S mode is a streamlined edition of Windows designed for better security and performance by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store and enforcing Microsoft Edge for web browsing. This helps protect devices (especially student and entry-level devices) from untrusted apps and reduces the risk of malware.​

Staying in S mode makes sense if you are happy using only Store apps and Edge, and you value security and simplicity over flexibility. However, if you need desktop apps like Chrome, Firefox, Adobe tools, or custom line‑of‑business software, you must switch out of S mode.​

Before you switch out of S mode

Microsoft emphasizes two key points before you switch:​

• Switching out of S mode is free but one‑way. Once your device is out of S mode, there is no supported way to return it to S mode.​

• You need a Microsoft account to complete the switch through the Microsoft Store.

• Your device is connected to the internet so the Store can load the switching page and process the change.​

• Windows and Microsoft Store are up to date, as pending updates can sometimes block the switch.​

Step‑by‑step: switch out of S mode

Microsoft’s official process for switching out of S mode on Windows 11 is built into Settings and Microsoft Store. Follow these steps:​

1. Open Settings

   • Select the Start button and choose Settings, or press $Windows$ key + I to open the Settings app.​

2. Go to Activation

   • In Settings, select System in the left pane, then choose Activation on the right.
     ​

   • On compatible devices, you will see “S mode” listed as part of the activation state if Windows is currently in S mode.  ​

3. Open the “Switch out of S mode” page in Microsoft Store

   • Under the S mode section, select the option that says “Open Store” or a similar link (such as “Go to the Store”).
     ​

   • This opens a special Microsoft Store page titled “Switch out of S mode” that is dedicated to the one‑time switch.
     ​

4. Sign in with your Microsoft account

   • If you are not already signed in to the Store, you will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account.​

   • Sign in using the account you want associated with the device’s Store access.​

5. Start the switch

   • On the “Switch out of S mode” page, select the Get button.
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   • After you select Get, the Store processes your request; in most cases this only takes a short time.​

6. Wait for confirmation

   • When the process completes, the Store will display a confirmation message that you have successfully switched out of S mode.​

   • You can then close the Store app. Windows does not require a full reinstall; the change applies to your existing installation.​

After this, your device runs standard Windows 11 Home or Pro (depending on what came with your PC), and you can install desktop apps from outside the Microsoft Store.​

How to confirm S mode is off

To verify that S mode is no longer active, you can check your activation settings again:​

• Open Settings > System > Activation.​

• The S mode entry will no longer be present; the edition will show as Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro without “in S mode.”
  

You can also test by installing an app from outside the Microsoft Store, such as a browser installer downloaded from a publisher’s official website, which would not run previously in S mode.​

If you cannot switch out of Windows 11 in S mode

Sometimes the “Switch out of S mode” Store page does not load correctly, or the Get button is missing or fails. Microsoft and OEM support articles recommend checking updates and resetting the Store in these situations.​

Try these official troubleshooting steps:

• Install Windows updates

  • Go to Settings → Windows Update and select Check for updates.​

  • Install all available updates, restart if required, and then try the S mode switch again from Settings > System > Activation.​

• Update Microsoft Store

  • Open Microsoft Store, select Library, and choose Get updates or Update all so the Store app itself and its services are up to date. ​

• Reset Microsoft Store

  • Press $Windows$ key + R, type wsreset.exe, and select OK to reset the Store cache.​

  • A command window briefly opens and closes; Microsoft Store then launches again with its cache cleared, after which you can retry the “Switch out of S mode” process.​

If the switch still does not work, Microsoft recommends contacting the PC manufacturer’s support or Microsoft Support with details of any error message you see.​

What changes after leaving S mode

Once you are out of S mode, your device behaves like a standard Windows 11 installation:​

• You can install apps from any source, including traditional desktop installers and third‑party browsers.​

• More advanced tools such as certain development environments, system utilities, and games that were blocked under S mode can now run.​

• You remain protected by built‑in security features like Microsoft Defender Antivirus, SmartScreen, and regular security updates, but you are no longer limited to Store‑curated apps.​

However, you should be more cautious about what you install, only downloading software from trusted publishers and keeping Windows and antivirus protections up to date.

Switching out of S mode in Windows 11 is a one‑time decision that unlocks the full power of your PC, including desktop apps, alternative browsers, and more advanced tools. As long as you understand that you cannot go back to S mode, follow the steps carefully, and only install software from trusted sources, your device will remain secure while giving you the flexibility that standard Windows 11 is designed for.​

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