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Windows 11 in S Mode vs. Regular Windows 11

Anonymous
2022-02-11T21:20:04+00:00

Hello, I just bought 2 new computers with Windows 11 in S Mode preinstalled. I also have another laptop purchased several months ago with Windows 10 in S Mode. How do I switch out of S Mode and keep Windows 11? How do I eliminate S mode on my computer with Windows 10 when I upgrade to Windows 11? What am I giving up by turning off S mode other than a different level of security? I would like to download other programs like Zoom etc. Thanks for your help

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

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  1. DaveM121 867.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-02-11T21:58:41+00:00

    Hi Scott

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Windows 10 in S Mode only allows you to install software (apps and games) from the Microsoft Store, you cannot install 3rd party software like downloading software from other websites, or using conventional software installers.

    Because you are limited to installing software from the Microsoft Store, then your PC would be a bit more secure, but if you are a sensible user and only install software from official websites, then this is not a problem.

    Most people need to switch Windows 10 and 11 out of S Mode to be able to install the software they need to use, switching out of S Mode is free and you would end up with Windows 10 Home, however, switching out of S Mode is a one way operation, there is no way back to S Mode.

    if you want to switch out of S Mode:

    Open the Settings App

    Go to Update and Security - Activation (Windows 10)

    Go to System - Activation (Windows 11)

    In the Switch to Windows 10/11 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select Go to the Store. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)

    On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button.

    After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-02-27T18:59:07+00:00

    Matthias: When I went to download Zoom on my HP laptop with Windows 11 in S Mode, I got an automatic pop-up saying I had to switched out of S Mode with a link that said Learn More. When I clicked on that link all I had to do was click on one additional link and it switched over to regular Windows 11 automatically. Try downloading an app not offred in the Microsoft Store and maybe that might occur on your pad as well.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-02-11T23:02:01+00:00

    Thanks so much Dave for a wonderfully complete explanation. This should be very helpful. I will try it tomorrow. Greatly appreciated. Scott.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-02-27T16:01:01+00:00

    I tried it on my Lenovo ThinkPad windows 11 and it did not run

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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