S mode deactivation

Question

system won't allow me to deactivate S mode, any thougths? Completed all updates

Answer 1

Hi,

If you're trying to exit S mode and can't, see this link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/saindo-do-modo-s-no-windows-4f56d9be-99ec-6983-119f-031bfb28a307

First, create a restore point:

Press the start menu > settings > system > about > system protection > create and give it a name you want.

If that fails, and you're using an Intune-linked account, you need to follow the Q&A procedure. If it's a home account, try removing it in offline mode.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Type regedit and press Enter.

Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then click File > Load Hive.

Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\config, select the SYSTEM file, and click Open.

Launch the offline hive.

Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\offline\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy.

Double-click on SKUPolicyRequired and change the value from 1 to 0.

Select the offline hive, click File > Download Hive, close Regedit/Command Prompt, and restart your PC.

Credits: https://www.reddit.com/r/computerhelp/comments/1qspg3y/help_i_cant_escape_s_mode/?tl=pt-pt

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Thanks

Answer 2

On Windows 11 Home in S mode, switching out is done through the Microsoft Store and is a one‑way change. If the system is not allowing deactivation, use the supported path and checks below:

1. Open the S mode switch page
   • On the PC running Windows 11 in S mode, go to Settings > System > Activation.
   • Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro (or similar), select the Go to the Store link.
     • Do not use the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows; that keeps the device in S mode.
   • This should open the Microsoft Store page named Switch out of S mode (or similar).
2. Complete the switch
   • On the Switch out of S mode page, select Get.
   • After the confirmation message, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed and S mode is permanently disabled.
3. If the switch option is blocked
   • If the device belongs to an organization (work/school), the administrator can enforce S mode and block switching. In that case, contact the organization’s administrator to remove the restriction.
4. If using Windows 10 Pro/Education/Enterprise in S mode and trying to go to Windows 11
   • Windows 11 only supports S mode on Home edition. Pro/Education/Enterprise in S mode must first switch out of S mode (using the same Store “Switch out of S mode” flow) before upgrading to Windows 11.
5. Important limitations
   • Switching out of S mode is free but permanent. After switching, Windows 10/11 cannot be put back into S mode.

If the Store page does not appear or the Get button fails, and the device is not organization‑managed, further troubleshooting would focus on Microsoft Store or account issues, but those steps are not covered in the provided material.

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References:

• Switching out of S mode in Windows
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ
• Windows 11 System Requirements