I just purchased a new HP laptop and I am trying to remove s mode but the app store keeps failing.

Question

I just purchased a new HP laptop, and I am trying to remove s mode, but the app store keeps failing. I've tried repairing it and resetting it but the app shuts down and will not allow me to remove S mode. I need to download apps that are not from Microsoft.

Answer 1

Hi Maranda Marcellin,

I understand that since the Microsoft Store begins to load and then closes when attempting to switch out of S mode, you're wondering whether resetting the device would help, especially as this is a brand‑new laptop.

In most cases, resetting the PC is not the recommended next step at this stage.

Please note that resetting your PC reinstalls Windows using the recovery image already on the device. Depending on the option selected, apps, settings, and personal files may also be removed.

However, if the current Windows installation or recovery image contains corrupted system components, a reset may not resolve deeper issues, as it may still rely on the same damaged source.

Switching out of S mode can only be completed through the Microsoft Store. If that process fails due to Store or servicing issues, further Store troubleshooting or system repair steps are typically required before considering a full reset.

At this point, I would recommend:

1. Ensuring Windows Update shows the device is fully up to date (you may confirm via winver).
2. Then attempting the switch again using: Settings > System > Activation > Go to the Store > Get

If the Microsoft Store continues to close immediately after updating, the next step would be to perform a repair install (in‑place upgrade) of Windows 11. This reinstalls Windows over the existing installation without removing your personal files, apps, or settings, and is commonly used to repair issues with built‑in apps not launching.

*Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A

After the repair install completes, please try switching out of S mode again.

Please keep me updated on how it goes. I'm happy to assist further.

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Answer 2

To switch out of S mode, the Microsoft Store must open and reach the Switch out of S mode page. If Store is crashing, first try switching using the built-in Store link, then general Store troubleshooting.

1. Use the built-in “Switch out of S mode” flow
   1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
   2. Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro (or similar “Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro” section), select the Go to the Store link.
      • Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows; that keeps the device in S mode.
   3. In Microsoft Store, on the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page, select Get and confirm.
   4. After this completes, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.
   If the Store crashes as soon as this page opens, continue with Store troubleshooting.
2. Basic Microsoft Store checks These steps are commonly used when apps will not download or update:
   • Ensure there is a stable internet connection.
   • Temporarily uninstall any third‑party VPN or antivirus and test again.
   • Change Settings > Time & language > Language & region > Country or region to United States, then retry.
   • Check Microsoft Store Install Service:
     1. Press Windows key + S, type services.msc, press Enter.
     2. Find Microsoft Store Install Service, double‑click it.
     3. If Startup type is Disabled, change it to Automatic.
     4. If Service status is Stopped, click Start, then OK.
     5. If it is Running, right‑click and choose Restart.
   • Reopen Settings > System > Activation and repeat the Go to the Store → Get steps.
3. Important notes
   • Switching out of S mode is permanent; S mode cannot be turned back on afterward.
   • There is no charge to switch out of S mode.
   • If the laptop belongs to an organization (school, work) and switching is blocked, contact the administrator; organizations can enforce S mode.

If the Store continues to fail even after these steps, the next escalation is a general Windows repair (such as an in‑place repair/upgrade) to fix Store and servicing components, then repeat the S mode switch steps.

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References:

• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ
• Microsoft Store not working – unable to download or update any apps - Microsoft Q&A