2 Ways to Turn Off S Mode on a Windows 11 PC

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Switch out of S mode to install software from anywhere
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Windows 11's S Mode is a safety feature that only allows app installations from the Microsoft Store. While S Mode does a great job at preventing malware from infecting your computer, it can be pretty restrictive. If you want to download apps that aren't available from the Microsoft Store, you'll need to exit S Mode permanently. You can easily turn off S Mode in your Windows Settings if you have a Microsoft account, or by disabling Secure Boot in the UEFI if you don't have (and don't want) a Microsoft account. This wikiHow article will teach you 2 easy ways to take your Windows 11 PC out of S Mode.

Quick Steps

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Activation .
  2. Click Go to the Store under "Switch to Windows 11 Pro."
  3. Select Get out of S Mode .
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

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  1. Click the Windows menu and select the Settings icon, which looks like a gear. You can also press Windows key + i to quickly launch the Settings panel. [1]
  2. When you open Settings, it defaults to the Home panel. Click System in the menu on the left, then select Activation . [2]
    • There should be a large image of the Windows logo followed by the version of your OS. The text should read something like Windows 11 Home in S Mode . If there's no "S Mode," your computer isn't in S Mode and you're good to go!
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  3. Make sure you're clicking the Go to the Store option below "Switch to Windows 11 Pro." There's another "Go to the Store" option under "Upgrade your edition of Windows," and you do not want to click that option. [3]
  4. You'll see this banner at the top of the page. After you click the button, you'll get a pop-up in anywhere between a few seconds to a couple minutes letting you know your computer is no longer in S Mode. [4]
    • If you get an error like "Try again" or the Get button doesn't work, you most likely selected the wrong "Go to Store" link on the "Activation" page. Return to that page to open a new Store page.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

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  1. If you purchased a Windows 11 PC with S Mode enabled and don't have or want a Microsoft account, the only way to disable S mode is to turn off Secure Boot in the UEFI (BIOS). Disabling Secure Boot also disables features like Windows Hello and Bitlocker , although you should be able to reenable Secure Boot without reenabling S Mode after booting into the normal version of Windows 11 at least once. Start by booting into Advanced Startup:
    • Click the Start menu and select Settings .
    • Click System .
    • Click Recovery .
    • Click Restart Now next to "Advanced startup."
    • Click Restart Now to confirm. Your PC will now reboot to a blue screen with several options.
  2. Once Windows boots to the "Choose an option" screen, you'll see this option on the left side. [5]
  3. It's the second option.
  4. This reboots your PC into the UEFI .
  5. The location varies by model. Some manufacturers, including Dell, have a Secure Boot method. For other manufacturers, you'll usually find Secure Boot in the Boot or Boot Options menu.
    • You may have to do some menu digging to find Secure Boot. Look in the Advanced menu, Options , and other obscured places if you don't see the option.
    • Depending on the software you want to install, you may not be able to reenable Secure Boot later without restoring your PC to its factory state. [6]
  6. Use the arrow keys (unless your mouse is available in the UEFI) to select Secure Boot , then choose the Disable or Disabled option.
    • Depending on the UEFI, you'll usually select the option by pressing Enter .
    • If you see the option to do so, click Apply to make the change.
    • If the option is grayed out or not selectable, try disabling Fast Boot first.
    • If you still can't turn off Secure Boot, find the part of the UEFI that allows you to set an Administrator password for the UEFI. Set a password temporarily, then boot back into the UEFI to turn off Secure Boot. You can remove the password after turning off S Mode.
    • If you still can't turn off Secure Boot, try resetting the BIOS to its defaults.
  7. In some UEFI versions , you'll press F10 to save your changes. In others, you'll select Exit and choose Save changes . [7]
    • Once you exit the UEFI, your PC will reboot. When it comes back up, S Mode will be disabled.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I don't have the store downloaded, what can I do?
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    All Windows 11 installations ship with the Microsoft Store included. If it isn't present on your system, it may have been removed by someone else, or you may have a corrupted installation. Try searching using the start menu for the store, otherwise it's probably easiest to reset Windows for a completely new installation, complete with the Microsoft Store.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Why does it ask me for an administrator PIN?
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    If you're using a computer that is run by an organisation, you may not have the required privileges to leave S Mode. Contact your system administrator for help.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Can I go back into S Mode after switching out?
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    Unfortunately, the switch out of S Mode is a one-way street, meaning there's no way to undo your change.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-and-windows-11-in-s-mode-faq-851057d6-1ee9-b9e5-c30b-93baebeebc85
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-and-windows-11-in-s-mode-faq-851057d6-1ee9-b9e5-c30b-93baebeebc85
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/switching-out-of-s-mode-in-windows-4f56d9be-99ec-6983-119f-031bfb28a307
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/switching-out-of-s-mode-in-windows-4f56d9be-99ec-6983-119f-031bfb28a307
      5. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/disabling-secure-boot?view=windows-11
      6. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/disabling-secure-boot?view=windows-11
      7. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/disabling-secure-boot?view=windows-11
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-and-windows-11-in-s-mode-faq-851057d6-1ee9-b9e5-c30b-93baebeebc85#WindowsVersion=Windows_11

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