How do I exit S mode under Windows 10?

[#1]

Symptoms

Windows 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 10 that's streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. To increase security, it allows only apps from the Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing.

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Diagnosis

To increase security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs only apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to permanently switch out of S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode, but you won't be able to turn it back on.

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Solution

• On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode,
  open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
   
• Find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.
  ⚠️Note⚠️:
  Don't select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows.
  That's a different process that will keep you in S mode.
   
• On the page that appears in the Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.

Open Microsoft Store

⚠️Note⚠️
With the April 2018 Update, Windows 10 S became a mode of Windows 10 (called “S mode”).
It's now available in Windows 10 Home edition, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Pro Education.

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The information in this article refers to:

• Devices with Windows 10 in S mode

ChangeLog:

• 2024-10-28 / Version 3.0
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Review Date: 2025-03-28