How to Turn Off S Mode in Windows 11

Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Windows 11 in S Mode is a safety feature that will only allow apps that are downloaded from the Microsoft Store to run on a computer. This prevents potential malware from affecting your computer, but is also quite restrictive.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
Go to source} To download apps that aren't available from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to exit S Mode, however this is a one-way street. If you disable S Mode, you can't turn it back on.

If you're still running Windows 10, read How to Turn Off S Mode in Windows 10 for help, or How to Download Windows 11 to upgrade.

Steps

1
Open your computer's Settings. Click on the Windows logo
and select the Settings icon
from the start menu.
- If the icon isn't there, you can search for it in the search bar at the top of the window.
2
Select Activation from the System settings.
- This panel should open with the settings app, but you can manually access system settings by clicking System in the menu on the left.
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3
Ensure you're currently in S Mode. There should be a large image of the Windows logo followed by the version of your OS. The text should read something like Windows 11 Home in S Mode. If there's no 'S Mode', your computer isn't in S Mode and you're good to go!
- If you're running any other version than Windows 11 Home, you'll never have to leave S Mode as it isn't available on these versions.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  Go to source}
4
Click on the second drop-down menu titled S Mode, then click on Open Store. You'll then be redirected to the Microsoft Store.
5
Read the banner that will display at the top of the store. If you don't really need to install external apps that aren't verified by Microsoft, there's really no need to leave S Mode. It can provide beneficial protection against potential malware that can be found online.
6
Click Get in the 'Switch out of S Mode' banner to exit S Mode. After you click this button you'll get a pop-up anywhere between a few seconds to a couple minutes letting you know your computer is no longer in S Mode.
- You will most likely need to be connected to the internet to switch out of S Mode.

Community Q&A

Question

I don't have the store downloaded, what can I do?

Rupert

Top Answerer

All Windows 11 installations ship with the Microsoft Store included. If it isn't present on your system, it may have been removed by someone else, or you may have a corrupted installation. Try searching using the start menu for the store, otherwise it's probably easiest to reset Windows for a completely new installation, complete with the Microsoft Store.
Question

Why does it ask me for an administrator PIN?

Rupert

Top Answerer

If you're using a computer that is run by an organisation, you may not have the required privileges to leave S Mode. Contact your system administrator for help.