Problem switching out of S Mode

Question

Trying to switch out of Windows 11 Home in Safe Mode. Have opened settings > System > Activation and then hit the drop down arrow for "S Mode". I select the Open Store tile, but all that happens is that it appears to try to open the Microsoft store, but is unsuccessful. Have run all Windows Updates to ensure computer is up to date, have run "wsreset", have opened Microsoft store and signed out and back in, and still will not open the store when I click the "Open Store" tile. So am unable to get to the switch out of S Mode at the Microsoft Store. Anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

Thanks for your reply. Many users have reported this issue, and it is likely due to a server problem when many people are trying to exit Safe Mode at the same time. This has happened before. Waiting a while and trying again later can help, especially when fewer people are using the server.

If this is urgent, performing a clean installation of the Windows operating system is recommended.

Answer 2

Still having the same issue. After clicking on the Open Store tile, the Microsoft Store tries to open, but after spinning about five seconds, it closes on its own. For what it is worth, I am running the following Operating System.

Edition Windows 11 Home in S mode

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎4/‎4/‎2026

OS build 26200.8117

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.297.0

Answer 3

Hi,

Some users have found that following the steps below fixed the issue:

The next step is to try System Recovery without deleting your files and apps.

Click the Start menu > Settings > System > Recovery.

Choose Reinstall Now under the section labeled 'Fix problems using Windows Update.'

Once completed, your system will restart. Switch out the S mode again.

Answer 4

Switching out of S mode requires successfully opening the special Microsoft Store page that handles the switch. The documented method is:

1. On the Windows 11 device in S mode, open Settings > System > Activation.
2. Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro, select the Go to the Store link (or Open Store tile in that section).
3. In the Microsoft Store page that opens (Switch out of S mode or similar), select Get and confirm. After that, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.

If the Store does not open from the Activation page, use the direct Store URI for the switch page instead of the tile:

• Use the built‑in link: Open Microsoft Store

This should open the same Switch out of S mode page in Microsoft Store, where the Get button can be used to complete the switch.

Note that switching out of S mode is permanent and cannot be reversed.

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References:

• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ