How do I switch out of Windows 10 in S mode?

[#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

Review Date: 2022-07-01