How to Easily Disable S Mode in Windows 10

Disable S Mode so you can install any software you want

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: October 9, 2023 Fact Checked

Windows 10 S Mode is designed to provide enhanced security users, but it has a huge downside. S mode only allows you to download apps from the Microsoft Store , and you can only use Microsoft Edge as your default web browser. If you want to install apps not from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to turn off S Mode. Luckily, you can easily turn off S mode in the Settings menu. This wikiHow article will teach you how to turn off S mode on Windows 10.

Things You Should Know

To turn off S Mode, go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Activation" > "Go to the Store" > and click "Get" next to "Switch out of S Mode."
You'll need to be signed in with an Administrator account to turn off S mode.
Once you switch out of S Mode, you can not re-enable it.

Steps

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1
Open your Windows Settings. Click the Windows Start menu at the bottom-left corner of the screen, and then select the Settings gear icon.
- Only administrators can disable S Mode. Be sure to log into an account that has administrative privileges .
- Turning off S Mode is irreversible. Once you disable it, it cannot be re-enabled.
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Click Update & Security

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. It's the button that has a refresh icon that looks like 2 arrows that form a circle.

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You'll find this in the panel on the left side of the window.
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4
Click Go to the Store . You'll find this under the "Switch to Windows 10 Home" or "Switch to Windows 10 Pro" headers.
- Do not click this under "Upgrade your edition of Windows."
- If you aren't in S Mode, you won't see the previous options.
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5
Click Get next to "Switch out of S Mode. " The wording here may vary slightly, but it will be similar.
- When your Windows 10 PC switches out of S Mode, you'll receive an email confirmation that you'll be able to install and run apps outside of the Microsoft Store. ^{[1]
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Community Q&A

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Question

‘Go to store’ is not opening. What can I do?

Rupert

Top Answerer

Try re-launching the settings app, or restarting your computer. This may be a minor bug that restarting will fix. Alternatively, you can use the search function from the start menu to access the store directly, and leave S Mode from there, without going through settings.

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Question

The "get" button is grayed out and won’t let me click on it. Is there a resolution to this?

Rupert

Top Answerer

Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. Leaving S Mode is a significant, irreversible change to your computer, and therefore will most likely require administrator permission to complete.

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Question

Do you have to have a Microsoft ID to log into the store for the switch?

Rupert

Top Answerer

You shouldn’t need to be logged into your Microsoft online account to access the store.

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If you've upgraded to Windows 11 , read How to Turn Off S Mode in Windows 11 for more relevant help.

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How to Easily Disable S Mode in Windows 10

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