Turn off Windows 10 S mode on Personal Laptops

Tags windows S mode

Microsoft is now shipping their computers with what is called as Windows 10 S mode. If your computer is using Windows S mode, you will not be able to install any applications outside of what is in the Microsoft App store. Therefore, applications such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Proctoring software, etc would be prohibited from installation. Microsoft allows all users to turn this mode off, and set computers back to Windows 10 Home, which will allow for installation of all applications. If you would like to turn off Windows S mode, please follow these steps:

Switching from Windows 10 S mode though is free to just Windows 10 Home.

1.  Press the Start button located at the bottom left of your screen.

 

2.  Select the Settings icon, located just above the power icon on the Start menu.

3.  Select Update & Security in the Settings app.

4. Select Activation, and then select Go to Store.

5. Select the Get option.

6.  Then hit Install when ready to proceed.

7. The process to switch out of S mode is seconds (maybe about five to be exact). You do not need to restart the PC for it to take effect. You can just continue on and start installing .exe apps now in addition to apps from the Microsoft Store.

And that's it. While Windows 10 in S mode is built for security and performance it's not for everyone. Microsoft at least gives you the choice as to which version you prefer.

Details

Article ID: 124396
Created
Tue 1/12/21 1:54 PM
Modified
Tue 2/2/21 11:05 AM