How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (2024)

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Written byTravis Boylls

Last Updated: October 9, 2023Fact Checked

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Windows 10 S Mode is designed to provide enhanced security users, but it has a huge downside. S mode only allows you to download apps from the Microsoft Store, and you can only use Microsoft Edge as your default web browser. If you want to install apps not from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to turn off S Mode. Luckily, you can easily turn off S mode in the Settings menu. This wikiHow article will teach you how to turn off S mode on Windows 10.

Things You Should Know

  • To turn off S Mode, go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Activation" > "Go to the Store" > and click "Get" next to "Switch out of S Mode."
  • You'll need to be signed in with an Administrator account to turn off S mode.
  • Once you switch out of S Mode, you can not re-enable it.

Steps

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  1. 1

    Open your Windows Settings. Click the Windows Start menu at the bottom-left corner of the screen, and then select the Settings gear icon.

    • Only administrators can disable S Mode. Be sure to log into an account that has administrative privileges.
    • Turning off S Mode is irreversible. Once you disable it, it cannot be re-enabled.
  2. 2

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  3. 3

    Click Activation. You'll find this in the panel on the left side of the window.

  4. 4

    Click Go to the Store. You'll find this under the "Switch to Windows 10 Home" or "Switch to Windows 10 Pro" headers.

    • Do not click this under "Upgrade your edition of Windows."
    • If you aren't in S Mode, you won't see the previous options.
  5. 5

    Click Get next to "Switch out of S Mode." The wording here may vary slightly, but it will be similar.

    • When your Windows 10 PC switches out of S Mode, you'll receive an email confirmation that you'll be able to install and run apps outside of the Microsoft Store.[1]
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  • Question

    ‘Go to store’ is not opening. What can I do?

    How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (10)

    Rupert

    Top Answerer

    Try re-launching the settings app, or restarting your computer. This may be a minor bug that restarting will fix. Alternatively, you can use the search function from the start menu to access the store directly, and leave S Mode from there, without going through settings.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 1Helpful 5

  • Question

    The "get" button is grayed out and won’t let me click on it. Is there a resolution to this?

    How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (11)

    Rupert

    Top Answerer

    Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. Leaving S Mode is a significant, irreversible change to your computer, and therefore will most likely require administrator permission to complete.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    Do you have to have a Microsoft ID to log into the store for the switch?

    How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (12)

    Rupert

    Top Answerer

    You shouldn’t need to be logged into your Microsoft online account to access the store.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • If you've upgraded to Windows 11, read How to Turn Off S Mode in Windows 11 for more relevant help.

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      About This Article

      How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (28)

      Written by:

      Travis Boylls

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 111,311 times.

      How helpful is this?

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: October 9, 2023

      Views:111,311

      Categories: Windows

      Article SummaryX

      1. Open Settings.
      2. Click Update & Security.
      3. Click Activation.
      4. Click Go to the Store.
      5. Click Get next to "Switch out of S Mode."

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,311 times.

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      How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Turn off S Mode in Windows 10 in 7 Easy Steps? ›

      How to Turn Off S Mode on Windows 10 or 11. To turn off S Mode on a Windows 10 or 11 PC, click the Start button and go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Select Go to the Store and click Get under the Switch out of S Mode panel. Then click Install and wait for the process to finish.

      How do I get out of S mode in Windows 7? ›

      To get the full flexibility of Windows without a Microsoft account, follow these steps. Go to the Settings menu and select “Update & Security”. Then go to the “Activation” tab and choose the “Switch out of S mode” option. Click “Yes” to confirm your decision.

      How do I deactivate S mode in Windows 10? ›

      Switching out of S mode in Windows 10:
      1. On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
      2. Find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.

      Is it easy to get out of S mode? ›

      If you want to download apps that aren't available from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to exit S Mode permanently. You can easily turn off S Mode in your Windows Settings if you have a Microsoft account, or by disabling Secure Boot in the UEFI if you don't have (and don't want) a Microsoft account.

      Can all Windows 10 S mode be disabled? ›

      Microsoft allows all users to turn this mode off, and set computers back to Windows 10 Home, which will allow for installation of all applications.

      Why did my computer go into S mode? ›

      Windows in S mode is a setting that prioritizes security and performance by allowing only apps from the Microsoft Store and restricting access to the command line, so it may not be for everyone. Additional security measures. Easier management of widespread enterprise devices and virus/malware threats.

      Can I turn S mode back on? ›

      Again, once you disable Windows S Mode, you cannot go back to it.

      Does S mode slow down a laptop? ›

      It uses less memory and fewer resources, so it doesn't bog down your system as much as standard Windows mode. Therefore, your computer will run faster and more smoothly, even when you have multiple apps open at once. S mode also has less background activity, so your computer is less likely to slow down over time.

      How to tell if Windows is in S mode? ›

      In the System Information window, check the value of OS Name. If the value is Microsoft Windows 11 Home in S mode, your PC is running Windows 11 Home in S mode.

      How to take a computer out of safe mode? ›

      How to exit Safe Mode in Windows 10
      1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run menu.
      2. In the text box, type msconfig and press Enter. Run should still be a usable tool in Safe Mode. ...
      3. At the top of the System Configuration menu, click Boot.
      4. Underneath Boot options, make sure that Safe boot is unchecked.
      Mar 21, 2023

      How long does it take to switch out of S mode Windows 10? ›

      What to Do After Switching out of Windows 10 S Mode. The process of switching out of S Mode only takes a few seconds and you don't need to reboot your system for it to take effect. Once it's completed installation, you should have free reign of your Windows 10 PC to install just about anything you like. Be wary though.

      Does S mode protect from viruses? ›

      This is because the built-in security of Windows 10 in S mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device.

      How do I temporarily disable S mode? ›

      To turn off S mode, you must first be running Windows 11. To check which version of Windows you have, go to Settings > System > About. Next, open the Microsoft Store and select the gear icon in the top right corner. Select "Switch out of S mode" in the menu that appears.

      Can all laptops switch out of S mode? ›

      Many new laptops will come with Windows S Mode enabled, but you can always disable it at any time. This will simply revert your computer to Windows Home, Pro, or whatever version came preinstalled. However, once you disable S Mode, you cannot go back.

      How to take computer out of sleep mode? ›

      To resolve this issue and resume computer operation, use one of the following methods:
      1. Press the SLEEP keyboard shortcut.
      2. Press a standard key on the keyboard.
      3. Move the mouse.
      4. Quickly press the power button on the computer. Note If you use Bluetooth devices, the keyboard may be unable to wake the system.

      What is Windows 7 in S mode? ›

      Windows' S Mode is a security-oriented option for Windows designed for safety and performance. To achieve this, S Mode only lets you download and install apps from the Microsoft Store – even if a program is available on the store and through a website, you can only use the Microsoft Store version.

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