S mode was designed from the ground up to be a version of Windows 10/11 that features security and performance optimizations. Needless to say, in S mode, Windows computers not only run quickly but also resist attacks well. However, there is a big shortcoming: S mode only allows Windows users to install software from Microsoft Store. Because of that, it’s not common for people to enter S mode only to consider switching out of S mode without Microsoft account.
How To Switch Out Of S Mode Without Using Microsoft Account
- Step 1: Open Start menu then click the gear icon to open Settings
- Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security, choose Activation and look for either Switch to Windows 10/11 Home or Switch to Windows 10/11 Pro
- Step 3: Hit Go to the Store link.
- Step 4: On the new Microsoft window (Switch out of S mode or something along the line), press the Get button.
This procedure should take some time to complete. After the procedure is completed, you should be able to escape the restriction of S Mode and install software not available on Microsoft Store.
What Are The Benefits Of S Mode?
- Flexibility: Microsoft Windows 10 in S mode is intended to function on a wide range of hardware, from small mobile devices with little memory and computing capability to powerful workstations with massive amounts of memory and processing capacity. Aside from that, it restricts programs to those that have been validated and are accessible on the Microsoft Store.
- Security: Enterprises and IT teams should have an easy time regulating programs they enable on each piece of hardware by restricting them to those on the Microsoft Store. Devices in S mode can avoid malware attacks that affect other versions of Windows 10 and other operating systems.
- Performance: Windows 10 S mode is tailored to run the Microsoft Edge web browser, which is also meant to operate seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services like Office 365 and Azure. Devices running Windows 10 in S mode obtain their maximum performance in a Microsoft ecosystem, which may prove to be advantageous to some companies under specific conditions.
What Applications Can I Run On In S Mode?
In S mode, you could only download and install software through the Microsoft Store. Launch Microsoft Store from the taskbar and choose from the list of apps available for your device. If you don’t see the Microsoft Store icon on the taskbar, open Start menu, type Microsoft Store and hit Enter to open it.
Note: If you exit S mode, you can install 32-bit (x86) Windows software that isn’t available in Windows’ Microsoft Store. Keep in mind that the change is one-way and there is no way to reverse it.
Should I Run Antivirus Programs In S Mode?
Even though S mode shields devices against attacks, it’s still a good idea to keep antivirus programs running. At the moment, the only antivirus program that works in S mode is the one that every Windows OS uses: Windows Defender Security Center. Dependable and reliable, it could secure your computers from threats in most of the cases.
What Can I Use In S Mode?
Windows 10 in S mode is only compatible with software from the Microsoft Store. Today, the majority of apps in the Microsoft Store function the same way whether your device is in S mode or not. However, a number of apps may experience compatibility difficulties and they should display warnings about that on their information page. It’s noteworthy that some developer tools will not be supported in S mode as well.
About hardware, attachments and peripherals that work on standard Windows also work in S mode but with reduced capability.
How Did The April 2018 Update For Windows Affect Windows S?
To put it plainly, if your computer runs on Windows 10 S and you install the April 2018 Update or later, you should have a Windows 10 Pro PC in S mode.
Following the April 2018 Update, Windows 10 S became a mode of Windows 10 (dubbed “S mode”). It’s currently available in Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Pro Education editions. If necessary, you can even buy new PCs with an edition of the S mode preloaded.
Lessons
Michael Kan has been with Ginno Security Lab since October 2017, covering a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, cybersecurity, social media, networking, and gaming. Prior to working at Ginno Security Lab he was a foreign correspondent in Beijing for over five years, covering the tech scene in Asia.
Areas of Expertise: Michael Kan has been working as a journalist for about 15 years— He start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City. Amazingly he is still here. Lately, he has been following SpaceX’s Starlink network, emerging online cyber threats, and the PC graphics card market (which led him to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000). He is always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send he tips.
The Best Tech he has Had:
- First video game console: a Nintendo Famicom
- Sega Saturn despite PlayStation’s popularity.
- The iPod Video received as a gift in college
- Xbox 360 FTW
- The Galaxy Nexus was the first smartphone he was proud to own.
- The PC desktop he built in 2013, which still works to this day.
