Switch out of S mode

Question

When in activation to switch out of s mode open store will not open after clicking it returns to open store. I need to switch out of S Mode.

Answer 1

Hi, good day!

I recently found out that several users are experiencing this issue, and the usual fixes don’t seem to work. It’s likely a temporary problem on Microsoft’s end, and it typically resolves itself within 24–48 hours.

If you need an immediate solution, you can perform a clean Windows installation, just be sure to back up your files first.

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

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 2

To switch out of S mode, the Microsoft Store “Switch out of S mode” page must open and complete. If clicking Open Store in Activation just loops back and the Store page never opens, use these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store directly
   • Select Start.
   • Search for Microsoft Store and open it.
2. Go straight to the “Switch out of S mode” page
   • In any browser or from Run (Win+R), open this link:
     • ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=BF712690PMLF&OCID=windowssmodesupportpage
   • This should force the Microsoft Store to open on the Switch out of S mode page.
3. Complete the switch
   • On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page, select Get.
   • Wait for the confirmation message that switching is complete.
   • After confirmation, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.

Important notes:

• Switching out of S mode is one-way and cannot be reversed.
• There is no charge to switch out of S mode.
• If the device belongs to an organization and switching is blocked, contact the administrator because the organization may enforce S mode.

If the Store still does not open from the link above, there is likely a Microsoft Store problem that must be fixed first (for example, Store not launching or not loading pages) before switching out of S mode will work.

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References:

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