To get out of Windows S mode, open Settings > System > Activation on Windows 11 (or Settings > Update & Security > Activation on Windows 10). Under Switch to Windows Home/Pro, click Go to the Store, then click Get on the Switch out of S mode page. It’s free, takes a minute, and lets you install apps from anywhere. The switch is one-way: you can’t go back into S mode. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Settings > Activation > Switch out of S mode > Go to the Store > Get.
Steps to Switch Out of S Mode
- Open Settings and go to Activation.
- Find Switch to Windows Home (or Pro) or Switch out of S mode. Don’t use the “Upgrade your edition” section, which is a paid upgrade.
- Click Go to the Store.
- On the Switch out of S mode page, click Get and confirm.
- Wait for the confirmation message; no restart is usually needed.
S Mode vs Standard Windows
| Feature | S mode | After switching |
|---|---|---|
| App sources | Store only | Store and any installer |
| Default browser/search | Locked to Microsoft options | Your choice |
| Command-line tools | Blocked | Available |
| Cost to switch | Free, one-way | |
Troubleshooting
- Store page won’t load or Get fails: Sign in to the Store, check the date and time, and try again later.
- Option missing on a work or school PC: Your organisation may block it; ask IT.
- Want to remove the Store instead: See uninstalling the Microsoft Store and its risks.
- Installing apps afterwards: See installing apps outside the Store safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave S mode?
Yes, but you become responsible for choosing safe apps. Keep Windows Security on.
Will it slow my PC down?
Not by itself. Installing many apps can.
Can I switch back later?
No. Leaving S mode is permanent unless you reinstall a device image that includes S mode.
Summary
- Open Settings > Activation.
- Use Switch out of S mode, not Upgrade.
- Click Get in the Store.
- Remember it’s one-way.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.