How to Remove S Mode in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently bought a new Windows 11 laptop or PC and noticed you can’t install apps outside the Microsoft Store, your device is likely running Windows 11 in S Mode.

While S Mode is designed for security and performance, it also limits what you can install and use — you can’t download Chrome, Firefox, or apps from outside the Microsoft Store.

The good news? You can remove S Mode easily — and once you do, your PC behaves like a regular Windows 11 system.

In this complete, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to turn off S Mode in Windows 11, explain what happens afterward, and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

What Is S Mode in Windows 11?

Windows 11 in S Mode is a lightweight, security-focused version of Windows designed to protect your computer from malware and unauthorized apps.

In S Mode:

• You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store.

• You must use Microsoft Edge as your default browser.

• You cannot download software from external websites.

Essentially, it’s Windows 11 with locked-down settings — great for beginners or school devices, but limiting for power users.

---

Why Windows 11 Comes with S Mode

Microsoft introduced S Mode to make Windows:

• Faster — fewer background apps and bloatware.

• Safer — no third-party installs, reducing malware risk.

• Simpler — perfect for schools, kids, or public computers.

Many affordable laptops, especially under $400, come preloaded with Windows 11 Home in S Mode — such as devices from HP, Lenovo, Dell, and Acer.

---

Should You Remove S Mode? Pros and Cons

Before you switch, let’s quickly look at the benefits and drawbacks.

✅ Remove S Mode if you want full flexibility.
❌ Keep S Mode if you value simplicity, security, and only use Store apps.

---

What Happens When You Remove S Mode

When you turn off S Mode:

• You switch permanently to Windows 11 Home (or Pro).

• You can install apps from any source.

• Your existing files, settings, and apps remain unchanged.

• Your computer continues working normally.

⚠️ Important: The switch cannot be undone. Once you exit S Mode, you can’t go back.

---

How to Check If You’re Using S Mode

Before switching, confirm whether your PC is actually in S Mode.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → About.

3. Under Windows specifications, check the Edition line.

You’ll see something like:

If “in S Mode” appears — you’re in it. If not, your PC is already standard Windows 11.

---

How to Remove S Mode in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s the official, Microsoft-approved way to disable S Mode.
It’s completely free, easy, and takes only a few minutes.

🔧 Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I or click the Start menu → Settings.

---

🛍️ Step 2: Go to Activation

1. In the left sidebar, select System.

2. Scroll down and click Activation.

---

🧩 Step 3: Find “Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro”

Under the Activation section, locate:

You’ll see a box labeled “Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro”.

Click the Go to the Store button.

---

🏪 Step 4: Open the Microsoft Store Page

The Microsoft Store app will open automatically to a page titled:

Switch out of S mode

Here’s where you officially disable S Mode.

---

⚙️ Step 5: Click “Get” or “Switch Out of S Mode”

1. Click the Get button.

2. Wait for the process to finish.

3. You’ll see a confirmation message:

   “You have successfully switched out of S mode.”

---

✅ Step 6: Restart Your PC

Once complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve now successfully removed S Mode in Windows 11.

You can now install apps from any source, just like a regular Windows PC.

---

Troubleshooting: “Switch Out of S Mode” Not Working

Sometimes, the Get button may not appear or doesn’t work.
Try these fixes:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure you’re online — S Mode removal requires access to Microsoft servers.

2. Update Microsoft Store

• Open Microsoft Store → click your profile icon → App settings → select Get updates.

3. Sign In with a Microsoft Account

You must be signed in with a Microsoft account to remove S Mode.

4. Reset the Store App

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps → Microsoft Store.

2. Click Advanced options → Reset.

5. Run Windows Update

Outdated builds can block the switch.

• Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

After updates, retry the steps from the Microsoft Store.

---

Can You Go Back to S Mode After Turning It Off?

❌ No, you cannot revert.

Once you switch out of S Mode, there’s no official way to go back.
The change is permanent, and even system resets won’t restore S Mode.

If you truly need it again, you’d have to reinstall Windows 11 S Mode using a manufacturer recovery image — not recommended for regular users.

---

Difference Between Windows 11 Home, Pro, and S Mode

💡 In short: S Mode = Windows Home with extra restrictions.

---

Is It Safe to Remove S Mode?

Yes — it’s completely safe and officially supported by Microsoft.
You won’t lose data, and your system will remain activated and genuine.

However:

• You’ll need to be cautious about what you install afterward.

• Consider enabling Windows Security, SmartScreen, and automatic updates to stay safe.

---

Alternatives to Removing S Mode

If you only need a few non-Store apps, consider:

• Using web versions of apps (like Office.com, Canva, Zoom Web, etc.).

• Installing Microsoft Edge extensions for added functionality.

• Keeping S Mode for extra protection on school or shared devices.

---

How to Install Apps After Leaving S Mode

Now that you’ve removed S Mode, here’s how to install desktop software:

Example: Installing Google Chrome

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Visit google.com/chrome.

3. Click Download Chrome.

4. Open the downloaded .exe file.

5. Follow the setup instructions.

✅ You can now install any Windows app — including Adobe, VLC, OBS, or Steam.

---

Performance Tips After Switching Out of S Mode

To keep your PC fast and secure:

• 🧹 Uninstall unused preloaded apps.

• 🔄 Keep Windows updated.

• 🧰 Use Windows Security for malware protection.

• ⚙️ Disable startup programs you don’t need.

• ☁️ Use OneDrive or cloud storage for backups.

---

Key Takeaways

---

Conclusion

Removing S Mode in Windows 11 gives you full freedom to use your computer your way.
You’ll be able to install apps from any source, switch browsers, and customize your PC without restrictions.

While S Mode is perfect for beginners or school use, most users benefit from switching out for more flexibility and control.

So go ahead — follow the steps in this guide, remove S Mode, and unlock the full power of your Windows 11 PC today! 💪💻

---

FAQs

1. Is it free to remove S Mode in Windows 11?

Yes. Switching out of S Mode is completely free and supported by Microsoft.

2. Will removing S Mode delete my files?

No. Your files, settings, and apps remain exactly the same after switching.

3. Can I go back to S Mode later?

No, the process is permanent. Once you switch out, you can’t revert.

4. Why can’t I find “Switch out of S Mode” in the Store?

Update your Microsoft Store app or ensure you’re signed in with a Microsoft account.

5. Do I need a Microsoft account to remove S Mode?

Yes. You must be logged into the Microsoft Store with a Microsoft account to complete the process.

---

🔍 Summary

To remove S Mode in Windows 11:

1. Open Settings → System → Activation.

2. Click Go to the Store under “Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro.”

3. Select Get to confirm.

4. Restart your PC.

After that, you’ll have the full Windows 11 experience — with no app restrictions.