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I have recently purchased a Dell laptop with Windows 11 preloaded. It won't allow me to install software that I have used for years and am familiar with. I do not want to have to go through the trouble of having to learn something new to do something I have done for years with ease. I can install the software if I switch off 'S' mode. As this is a one-way street I would like to know the consequences of doing this, specifically on security. Will Defender still work? Or will I have to install a third-party app for that as well? It also restricts you to what's in the Microsoft store, very much like Apple which I have never used nor wanted to because of such restrictions i.e. it's the Apple way or no way. Henry Ford springs to mind, 'you can have any colour you like... as long as it's black'. Another thing, even if it is in the Microsoft store, for example Firefox, it still won't allow it to run in 'S' mode. So I'd like a full and frank explanation of the consequences of switching off 'S' mode and why Microsoft decided to make such an action a one-way process. At this moment in time my laptop is pretty much useless except for browsing the web.
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Answer accepted by question author
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Hi. I'm Brian and I will do my best to help you.
It is a one-way street. Once you remove S mode, you'd need to reinstall Windows completely to get it back.
S mode was geared toward people who don't need to use software not in the Microsoft store. Turning off S mode doesn't have a downside if you need to use that software. Apps like Defender will continue to run just fine. So will any program you was installed from the Microsoft store while in S mode.
Answer accepted by question author
HI Tim.F#1
(IMO) the Only Security suit you will ever need is The **Microsoft Security Suite**. In other words, "**YES**" Windows Defender. You may also want to run Malwarebytes from time to time but other than that, you should be good to go. I have Never used the "S Mode" and have Never had any problems running anything I wish. However, the S-Mode is supposed to be extra safe. So I guess you'll just have to make up your mind and I hope this helps you some in your decision.
Enjoy
>". I know that sounds lazy, OK, I'm lazy :)"<
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Not at all Tim.F#1,
I'm with you, I also like to use software that I'm familiar with in my daily tasks.
Enjoy!... And I'm glad I could help.
Thanks for the advice. As long as the Windows security will still work I'm happy to ditch 'S' mode as it seems to be more of a hinderance than a help. All the software I've used up to getting this computer I've known and been familiar with and some won't run in 'S' mode and I don't fancy going through the process of learning a new set of software to do what I could do with ease before. I know that sounds lazy, OK, I'm lazy :)
Thank you for your advice. After due consideration the benefits of leaving 'S' or 'stymied' mode appear to outweigh those of remaining in it.