why cant i switch out of S Mode

Question

why can't i switch out of S Mode

and my system saying upgrade is not available

Answer 1

Hi there,

Sometimes there is a server hiccup that prevents switching out of S mode. There are no widespread reports of that, yet.

Press Windows+R keys on the keyboard, or Right-click Start on the Taskbar and choose Run.

Type "wsreset -i"

Press Enter.

Wait for the process to complete, and try again to switch out.

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Answer 2

On Windows 11 or Windows 10 in S mode, switching out of S mode is only possible if the device and edition support it and if it is not blocked by an organization.

Key points based on the behavior described:

1. Why switching might not be available
   • If the device belongs to an organization (work or school), the administrator can enforce staying in S mode. In that case, the option to switch out can be blocked.
   • For Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise in S mode, Windows 11 in S mode does not exist. To upgrade to Windows 11, switching out of S mode is required first. If the system says the upgrade is not available, it may be because it is still in S mode and the edition does not support Windows 11 S mode.
2. How to switch out of S mode (if allowed) Windows 11 in S mode
   • Open Settings > System > Activation.
   • Find the Switch to Windows 11 Pro (or similar) section and select the Go to the Store link.
     • Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows.
   • In Microsoft Store on the Switch out of S mode page, select Get and confirm. After that, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.
   Windows 10 in S mode
   • Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
   • Find Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro, then select Go to the Store.
     • Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows.
   • In Microsoft Store on the Switch out of S mode page, select Get and confirm.
3. One-way change
   • Switching out of S mode is permanent. After switching, S mode cannot be turned back on for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
4. If the option is blocked or missing
   • If the device is managed by an organization and the switch option is blocked, only the administrator can change that policy.
   • If Windows Update says upgrade is not available and the device is on Windows 10 Pro/Education/Enterprise in S mode, switching out of S mode is required before upgrading to Windows 11, and there is no way to return to S mode afterward.

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References:

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