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Is S mode the same as Safe mode?

Anonymous
2022-08-02T13:30:55+00:00

Is S mode the same as Safe mode? Are there any differences in term of performance, security and privacy between those?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-02T13:59:40+00:00

    I knew you would get good information from neilpzz, so this is only a supplement:

    Safe Mode is a stripped down version of Windows. Only the essential guts of Windows is running. There is no third party software. Safe Mode is used to determine whether third party software is causing a problem, and gives you the opportunity to identify the problem-causing software. You don't want to run your computer in Safe Mode.

    S Mode is a version of Windows with limitations: You can only install software that comes from Microsoft Store and you can only use Microsoft Edge as your browser. In all other respects, it's regular Windows. It's for people who need that extra security.

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  2. Neil D 33,090 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-08-02T13:38:24+00:00

    No. S Mode is a safer mode that only allows verified downloads, usually from the Windows 10 Store.

    Safe Mode only loads drivers that are needed to display Windows 10, effectively for troubleshooting issues.

    PS Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ (microsoft.com)

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