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Disable S Mode so you can install any software you want
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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.
  1. Click the Windows Start menu at the bottom-left corner of the screen, and then select the Settings gear icon.
  2. It's the button that has a refresh icon that looks like 2 arrows that form a circle.
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  3. You'll find this in the panel on the left side of the window.
  4. 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.
  5. " 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings.
      2. Click Update & Security .
      3. Click Activation .
      4. Click Go to the Store .
      5. Click Get next to "Switch out of S Mode."

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