how can i deactivate s mode on windows 11?

Question

i cannot deactivate s mode on my laptop. it redirects me to the store but will kick me back out

Answer 1

Hi,

Many users have recently reported this issue, and based on feedback, the usual troubleshooting steps do not seem to resolve it.

This looks like a temporary glitch on Microsoft’s side, possibly due to a high number of users trying to switch out of S Mode at the same time. In most cases, waiting 24–48 hours allows the system to stabilize and the issue to resolve automatically.

If the issue is urgent and you still cannot switch out of S Mode, the alternative option is to perform a clean installation of Windows. If you choose to proceed, please make sure to back up all your important files first before continuing.

Answer 2

To switch out of S mode on Windows 11 and address the issue where Microsoft Store closes or kicks back out, follow these steps and checks:

1. Confirm the correct path to switch out of S mode
   • Open Settings > System > Activation.
   • Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro (or similar section), select the Go to the Store link.
   • Important: Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows, as that keeps the device in S mode.
   • In Microsoft Store, on the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page, select Get, then confirm. After confirmation, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.
2. If the Store opens then immediately exits or sends back to Settings
   • This behavior usually indicates a Microsoft Store issue rather than S mode itself. First, try opening the Store directly from Start and confirm it stays open.
   • If the Store is unstable or not working correctly (e.g., closes, fails to load pages, or cannot download apps), reset and repair it:
     • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
     • Find Microsoft Store, select Advanced options.
     • Use Repair first; if that does not help, use Reset.
   • After resetting, repeat the S mode switch steps from Settings > System > Activation.
3. Use the direct Store link for switching out of S mode
   • If the Settings link is unreliable, use the built-in Store protocol link that opens the correct page:
   • Open a browser or Run dialog and use this link from the documentation:
     • Switch out of S Mode
   • When the Switch out of S mode page opens in Microsoft Store, select Get and confirm.
4. Check if the device is managed by an organization
   • If the device belongs to a school, company, or other organization, policies can block switching out of S mode.
   • In that case, contact the administrator, as the organization can choose to keep devices in S mode and prevent the switch.
5. One-way change reminder
   • Switching out of S mode is permanent. After switching, Windows 11 in S mode cannot be turned back on.

If the Store still kicks back out after reset and using the direct link, and the device is not organization-managed, further Store-specific troubleshooting (network, Store services, or re-registering Store) is needed before the S mode switch will complete.

---

References:

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