Share via

SO what is the point of windows 'S' mode.

Anonymous
2023-04-05T07:04:17+00:00

All the many problems I have incurred on this machine

Ranging from: unable to install software for my mainstream satnav

To regular performance issues 'labouriously slow loading of microsoft edge' and '100s of Problem reports about 12 different sources that have stopped working or responding, including Task Manager, the Operating System, Edge. Network Diagnostics Framework etc

It appears after contacting support many times about different issues and them telling me type commands into 'command prompt' and me teling them windows 11 'S' does not allow me to use 'command prompt.

There is only one fix 'apparently'

And that is switch out of 'S' mode

Should I?

On one hand I'm told it will effect my security and performance and it's extra safe. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 or Windows 11 in S mode

On the other hand I'm told switching out of 'S' mode will not cause any problems and my pc will be unaffected.

SO what is the point of 'S' mode.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DaveM121 870.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-04-05T07:39:41+00:00

    Hi pseudonymLT

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    The only added security in Windows S Mode is the inability to install 3rd party software, and all Microsoft Store apps are verified by Microsoft as being safe.

    Most people that purchase a PC with Windows in S Mode do find they need to switch out of S Mode to install the software they need to use on the PC, and switching out of S Mode is perfectly safe to do, provide you only install software from genuine developers websites, there is then no extra security risk, and whether in S Mode or Windows 11 Home, Defender will continue to protect your PC against malware threats.

    Switching out of S Mode to Home is free, it is a one way operation, and it does not cause any performance issues either.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. DaveM121 870.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-04-05T11:51:52+00:00

    Hi pseudonymLT

    I am glad switching out of S Mode has improved your experience with Windows.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-04-05T11:43:48+00:00

    Hi Dave

    Thanks for your reply

    Yes I get it 'S' mode is next to useless, I was fully aware that it stopped usefull software downloads for my SATNAVs etc

    and stopped me using command prompt, making it impossible to fix sytem file errors

    Whenever I had a problem with software, I'd contact microsoft for help and there fix would be 'Command prompt' Commands. Not an option for me because 's' Mode doesnt allow that opton, so it always ended with them telling me to switch out, that was the only way to fix any problem.

    I resisted the urge to switch because microsoft said 'S' mode was more secure and better.

    However since switching I've noticed how much faster everything is, I would usualy have to wait, sometimes for a couple of minutes waiting for the EDGE browser to load, most times it would say there was an error loading the page and an option to wait or close the page.

    Now

    Its fantastic now no problems at all

    What use is 'S' Mode? I should have switched a long time ago

    0 comments