microsoft store wont open windows 11 s mode

Question

i got a new laptop and its in s mode, when i click switch out of s mode it gives me a blank white window, ive tried WSReset.exe, ive done all the updates and clicked check for updates and it says up to date. ive tried repairing and resetting the app in app settings and it doesnt load at all after even 10 minutes of waiting. if there anyone that can help or if theres something i havent tried it would be much help.

Answer 1

If most methods fail, you may need to consider performing a Clean Install of Windows to completely transition out of S mode. However, you will need to find another working Windows computer from a family member or friend near you to create the Windows 11 USB Installation media.

Find another working computer then download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows 11". Instructions inside the link.

Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box. Please check the link below for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

If you want to retrieve your important files, Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

Kindly refer to the link below on How to Perform a Clean Install for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

Answer 2

Thank you for updating me with that information. It looks like your current Windows 11 version 21H2 ended service 2.5 years ago.

Please try the additional methods below.

• Disable Device Encryption Open Settings > Privacy & security Toggle off Device encryption
• Disable Windows S Mode in Registry Please try to return to the login screen While holding the Left Shift key, click the Power icon at the bottom right > Restart This will bring you to Windows Recovery Environment Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt Type regedit then press Enter Click and select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Click File menu tab then select Load Hive At Look in: select the Local Disk (C:) Navigate to the path below
  • C:\Windows\system32\config
  Select the SYSTEM file and click Open Then, type OFFLINE as Key Name and click OK. Now navigate to the following path:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Offline\ControlSet001\Control\CI\Policy
  Double click the SkuPolicyRequired REG_DWORD on the right Change the value data from 1 to 0 and click OK. Now select again the OFFLINE key on the left and from the File menu tab choose Unload Hive. Click Yes to confirm Close Registry Editor Restart your computer

Answer 3

Hi, good day!

Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?

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Please try the following methods below.

• If you have a third-party VPN or Antivirus installed, please try to temporarily uninstall it then check if the issue persists.
• Please try changing your Region to United States if it helps.
• Make sure your account is not connected to school/work.

If the issue persists, open Settings > System > Recovery.

Few things to check on the PC

• Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
• Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now

Once completed, your system will restart.

I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comments" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

Answer 4

Work through these steps in order on Windows 11 S mode:

1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
   1. Press Windows key + R.
   2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   3. A blank Command Prompt opens; after ~10 seconds it closes and Microsoft Store should open automatically.
2. Make sure Windows is fully updated
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   2. Install all available updates and restart the PC.
3. Check time, region, and account
   1. Verify date, time, and region are correct (incorrect settings can block Store).
   2. Make sure the device is signed in with a Microsoft account, not a local account.
4. Try opening Store directly
   • Use Windows key + R, type ms-windows-store://browse/ and press Enter to launch Store.
   • If it opens, go to the Switch out of S mode page again and wait a few minutes.
5. Repair Store apps if they open at all
   • If any Store app opens, follow the general app repair flow:
     1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
     2. Select the problematic app > Advanced options > Repair or Reset.
6. If Store still will not open
   • Follow the “Microsoft Store doesn't open” guidance:
     1. Confirm wsreset.exe has been run (step 1).
     2. Confirm Windows is updated (step 2).
     3. Re‑check time and location settings.

If none of these steps allow Microsoft Store to open (or the Switch out of S mode page to load), the next step is typically to contact Microsoft Support from another device, as switching out of S mode requires a working Store and cannot be done by other tools.

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References:

• Microsoft Store doesn't open
• I can't find or install an app from Microsoft Store
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ