How to Turn Off S Mode Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide - Support Your Tech (2024)

FAQs

How to Turn Off S Mode Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide - Support Your Tech? ›

To turn off S Mode, go to Settings > System > Activation. Under "Switch to Windows 11 Pro," click Go to the Store, then click "Get." If you don't have a Microsoft Account, the only way to get rid of S mode is to disable Secure Boot in the UEFI (BIOS).

To get the full flexibility of Windows without a Microsoft account, follow these steps. Go to the Settings menu and select “Update & Security”. Then go to the “Activation” tab and choose the “Switch out of S mode” option. Click “Yes” to confirm your decision.

To turn off S Mode on a Windows 10 or 11 PC, click the Start button and go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Select Go to the Store and click Get under the Switch out of S Mode panel. Then click Install and wait for the process to finish. Note: Switching out of S Mode is a one-way process.

Because of S Mode's limited functionality, it's a good option for those who don't want to think about their computer security when purchasing a new PC. Without access to the command line and apps not approved for the Microsoft Store, it's much harder to download and execute malicious files or software.

If you cannot switch out of Windows S Mode, it may be due to issues with Microsoft servers. Restart the wauserv service in the Task Manager to fix any glitches with the Microsoft Update service, which handles update-related tasks on your PC.

To turn off S Mode, go to Settings > System > Activation. Under "Switch to Windows 11 Pro," click Go to the Store, then click "Get." If you don't have a Microsoft Account, the only way to get rid of S mode is to disable Secure Boot in the UEFI (BIOS).

Check for a Windows PC using S-mode, turning off S-mode

To check if your PC is using S-Mode go to Settings > System > About. On the About page, scroll down to the “Windows Specifications” section. If you see the words “in S mode” to the right of the Edition entry, you're using an S Mode PC.

It uses less memory and fewer resources, so it doesn't bog down your system as much as standard Windows mode. Therefore, your computer will run faster and more smoothly, even when you have multiple apps open at once. S mode also has less background activity, so your computer is less likely to slow down over time.

Is it OK to take my computer out of S mode? ›

Windows 11 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.

The Disadvantage Of Windows 11 S Mode

While the curated nature of Windows 11 S mode ensures security, it also means that users are restricted to applications available exclusively in the Microsoft Store. Certain specialised or niche applications may not be available, limiting the flexibility of the operating system.

There are several good reasons to run a Windows PC in S mode, including: It's more secure because it only allows apps to be installed from the Microsoft Store. It's streamlined to reduce RAM and CPU use. Everything a user does is automatically saved to OneDrive to free up local storage.

Windows 11 S mode offers a more streamlined, secure experience by only allowing apps to be installed from the Microsoft Store. It provides performance and security benefits but also has some limitations. While users can turn off S mode at any time, it can't be turned back on.