How to Turn Off S Mode on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently purchased a new laptop or PC running Windows 11, there’s a good chance it came with Windows 11 in S Mode. At first glance, S Mode seems restrictive—you can only download apps from the Microsoft Store and are forced to use Microsoft Edge as your default browser.

While this setup is great for security and performance, it can feel limiting if you’re used to installing third-party apps like Chrome, Zoom, or Adobe software. Luckily, Microsoft gives you the option to switch out of S Mode—and the best part is, it’s completely free.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what S Mode is, its pros and cons, and how to turn it off step by step.

Table of Contents

What is Windows 11 S Mode?

Windows 11 S Mode is a special version of Windows designed for:

Security – Only apps from the Microsoft Store are allowed, reducing malware risks.
Speed – It prevents background apps and keeps performance optimized.
Simplicity – Great for beginners and students who don’t need complex software.

Think of S Mode as a “safe sandbox” where your computer runs lighter and faster. However, this safety net comes at the cost of flexibility.

Why Would You Want to Turn Off S Mode?

While S Mode is useful, many users find it restrictive. You might want to disable it if you:

Need to install apps outside the Microsoft Store (e.g., Google Chrome, Steam, Photoshop).
Prefer using third-party browsers like Firefox or Brave.
Want more control over your PC for work, gaming, or development.
Find that certain software is simply unavailable in S Mode.

Important Things to Know Before Turning Off S Mode

Before you take the plunge, keep these points in mind:

The switch is permanent – Once you leave S Mode, you cannot go back.
It’s free – Microsoft doesn’t charge anything for switching out.
Security changes – You’ll need to be more cautious with downloads since third-party apps can introduce risks.
Performance – Your PC might feel slightly slower if you install heavy apps, but most users won’t notice a big difference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off S Mode in Windows 11

Here’s the exact process to disable S Mode safely:

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Alternatively, click the Start menu and select Settings.

Step 2: Go to Activation Settings

In the left sidebar, click System.
Scroll down and select Activation.

Step 3: Find the S Mode Option

Under Activation state, look for Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro (depending on your edition).
You’ll see a section labeled Switch to Windows 11 Home (or Pro) with a button that says Go to the Store.

Step 4: Open Microsoft Store

Click Go to the Store.
This will launch the Microsoft Store to a page titled Switch out of S Mode.

Step 5: Confirm the Switch

On the Switch out of S Mode page, click the Get button.
Wait a few seconds, and you’ll see a confirmation message.

Step 6: Restart Your PC (Optional)

Most of the time, changes apply immediately.
If not, restart your computer to complete the process.

Congratulations—you’re now out of S Mode! You can install apps freely from any source, just like a regular Windows PC.

Method 2: Check If S Mode is Already Off

Not sure if you’re in S Mode? Here’s how to check:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Activation.
Look at the Activation state:
- If it says Windows 11 Home in S Mode, you’re still in it.
- If it just says Windows 11 Home/Pro, you’ve already switched out.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Turn Off S Mode?

Sometimes, users face issues when trying to switch. Here are common fixes:

Microsoft Store Not Opening
- Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter in Settings > Troubleshoot.
- Reset the Store app via Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced Options > Reset.
Button Greyed Out
- Make sure you’re signed into the Microsoft Store with a Microsoft account.
- Update your system to the latest version of Windows 11.
Error Code 0x87E10BC6 or Similar
- This usually means a temporary Microsoft Store issue. Try again later.

Pros of Staying in S Mode

Before you rush to switch, here are the benefits of keeping S Mode:

Better protection against malware.
Optimized performance with less background clutter.
Longer battery life on laptops.
Simpler experience for students and casual users.

Cons of Staying in S Mode

On the other hand, here’s why people switch out:

Can’t install apps outside the Microsoft Store.
Limited browser choice (you’re stuck with Edge).
Not ideal for professionals who need advanced tools.
Restrictive for gamers since many launchers (like Steam) aren’t available.

Tips After Turning Off S Mode

Once you’ve switched out of S Mode, follow these tips to stay safe and keep performance smooth:

Install a reliable antivirus (Windows Security is good, but you can add others).
Be cautious about downloading apps from unknown websites.
Keep your system updated regularly.
Use disk cleanup tools to avoid performance slowdowns.