Installation and Upgrade Switch out of S mode in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to switch out of S mode in Windows 11.

Windows 11 in S mode is a "secure" version of Windows 11 that is streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. To increase security, it allows only apps from Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing.

If you have a Windows 11 in S mode edition installed, you will only be able to install apps from the Microsoft Store only. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.

Windows 11 in S mode is only available in the Windows 11 Home edition by default. If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, Windows Update will not offer Windows 11 because S mode is not available in those editions of Windows 11. Therefore, if you have the Pro, Enterprise or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, you'll need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11.

Some devices come preinstalled with Windows 11 Home in S mode by the original equipment manufacturer.

Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 11 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.

References:




EXAMPLE: "For security and performance, this mode of Windows only runs Microsoft-verified apps" from Microsoft Store

You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

This option requires you to be signed into the Microsoft Store app with your Microsoft account.

1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Activation on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Click/tap on S mode to expand it open. (see screenshot below step 4)

4 Click/tap on Open Store. (see screenshot below)

It is required to be signed into the Microsoft Store app with your Microsoft account. You will be prompted to sign in to the Microsoft Store app with your Microsoft account if not already.

5 Click/tap on the Get button on the Microsoft Store Switch out of S mode page. (see screenshot below)


6 Click/tap on Close when you have successfully finished switching out of S mode. (see screenshot below)

This option does not require you to be signed in with a Microsoft account.

This option can be handy if Option One above did not work for you.

1 Disable Secure Boot using option two in the tutorial below.


2 Windows 11 will automatically switch out of S Mode as the computer restarts.

3 After the computer restarts and you have verified Windows 11 is no longer in S Mode, click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.



(Contents of REG file for reference)

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.

6 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

8 Restart the computer.

9 You can now enable Secure Boot again using option one in the tutorial below. Windows 11 will not switch back into S Mode when you re-enable Secure Boot.



That's it,
Shawn Brink