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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWindows 11 S mode is a mode of Windows 11 Home that allows app installations only from the Microsoft Store. It can suit people who need Store apps and prefer a more controlled setup, but it is restrictive if you need software from outside the Store. Leaving S mode is free and permanent, so check your software and hardware needs before switching.
What is Windows 11 S mode?
S mode is a mode of Windows 11 Home, not a separate Windows edition. A PC can ship with Windows 11 Home in S mode, and eligible computers running Windows 10 Home in S mode can upgrade to Windows 11 Home in S mode if they meet Windows 11 hardware requirements.
Windows 11 S mode is available on PCs with Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. It is not limited to ARM or Snapdragon laptops. Microsoft says S mode is designed with security and performance in mind.
The trade-off is that Windows gives you less freedom to install and configure software. Restricting installations to the Store can make casual software downloads harder, but it does not guarantee that every Store app will work for your needs.
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What can you install in S mode?
In S mode, you can install apps available through the Microsoft Store. If an application is distributed only as an installer from the developer’s website, Windows will block the installation until you leave S mode.
Store apps can include traditional Windows programs packaged for Store distribution. However, some developer tools are unsupported, and individual Store listings may identify compatibility problems. After leaving S mode, you can install x86 Windows apps that are not in the Store.
| Task | Windows 11 S mode | After leaving S mode |
|---|---|---|
| Install Microsoft Store apps | Yes | Yes |
| Install an app from a downloaded .exe or .msi file | No | Yes, subject to normal Windows compatibility and security checks |
| Install x86 Windows apps outside the Store | No | Yes |
| Use Microsoft Edge | Yes; it remains the default browser | Yes, but you can change the default |
| Use Chrome or Firefox downloaded from its website | No | Yes |
Browser and search-engine restrictions
Microsoft Edge is always the default browser in S mode, and Bing is the default search engine. You can visit other search-engine websites and may be able to install another browser available through the Microsoft Store.
To install Chrome or Firefox downloaded from outside the Store, you must leave S mode. After switching, you can choose another default browser and search engine in Windows settings.
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- Open Settings.
- Select System > About.
- Under Windows specifications, check the edition. It should identify Windows 11 Home in S mode if S mode is enabled.
You can also check your processor on the About page. Read the value beside Processor to see whether it is an Intel, AMD, or Snapdragon chip. Processor type matters if you plan to use older software, specialist peripherals, accessibility tools, or virtualization.
Should you use Windows 11 S mode?
S mode is a reasonable choice when the Microsoft Store contains everything you need and you value a more controlled setup. It may be suitable for:
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- Web browsing, email, streaming, and Microsoft 365 work.
- Students using Store-distributed school applications.
- Children’s or shared PCs where unrestricted software installation is undesirable.
- Users who want to make casual software downloads harder.
- Low-cost hardware where avoiding unnecessary background programs may help responsiveness.
It is a poor fit if you regularly install software from developer websites, use command-line or development tools, run specialist business applications, or rely on printer and accessory utilities that are not in the Store.
Reasons to stay in S mode
- You only need Store apps and Edge.
- You want to make casual software downloads harder.
- The computer is used by a child, guest, or nontechnical family member.
- You do not need domain joining, traditional desktop installers, or advanced administration.
Reasons to leave S mode
- You need Chrome or Firefox from its normal installer.
- You need an application that is unavailable in the Microsoft Store.
- You use developer tools that have Store compatibility restrictions.
- You need to install x86 Windows software outside the Store.
- You need organization features that require a different Windows edition.
How to leave S mode in Windows 11
Leaving S mode is free, but permanent. Microsoft does not provide a supported way to switch the PC back to Windows 11 S mode afterward.
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- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Activation.
- Find the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section.
- Select the Go to the Store link.
- In Microsoft Store, open the Switch out of S mode page, or a similarly named page.
- Select Get.
- Wait for the confirmation that the switch is complete. You can then install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.
Be careful on the Activation page. The Go to the Store link is the one for leaving S mode. Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows; upgrading the Windows edition is a separate process and does not itself switch the device out of S mode. You do not need to buy Windows Pro just to leave S mode.
Important limitations and compatibility notes
Leaving S mode removes the Store-only installation rule, but it does not solve every compatibility issue.
Leaving S mode is one-way
There is no normal Microsoft-supported switch to turn S mode back on. Decide based on the software you expect to use over the life of the PC, not just the application you want to install today.
It does not automatically upgrade Windows Home to Pro
Switching out of S mode and upgrading from Windows Home to Windows Pro are separate operations. Leaving S mode is free; a Pro upgrade may require a separate purchase or license.
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Snapdragon PCs may still have application and driver problems
On a Snapdragon PC, leaving S mode does not guarantee that every Windows application or accessory will work. A peripheral may require a driver built for Windows 11 on Snapdragon. Check the hardware maker’s support page before buying or installing equipment.
Some assistive-technology applications may not work as expected on Windows 11 Snapdragon devices, even after leaving S mode. Check with the software vendor if accessibility software is essential.
Antivirus and Hyper-V limitations
Microsoft identifies Windows Defender Security Center as the antivirus known to be compatible with Windows 11 S mode. On Windows 11 Snapdragon devices, Microsoft says third-party antivirus software cannot be installed; leaving S mode does not remove that platform limitation.
Client Hyper-V is not supported in S mode. Microsoft says that, beginning with Windows 11, Client Hyper-V is supported on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors when S mode is disabled.
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Printers and accessories may offer reduced functionality
Printers and other peripherals that work with Windows 11 Home may also work in S mode, but can provide only limited functionality. Scanning controls, firmware tools, custom status software, and advanced configuration panels may depend on software outside the Store. Check model-specific compatibility with the manufacturer.
Business and organization considerations
Windows 11 Home in S mode cannot join an on-premises domain. To enable Azure AD Domain join or on-premises domain join, Microsoft says the device must leave S mode and be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Enterprise.
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An organization can prevent users from leaving S mode. If the Store switch is blocked on a managed computer, contact the administrator rather than trying registry or command-line workarounds. Microsoft’s documented procedure uses Settings and Microsoft Store.
Windows 10 S mode and Windows 11
Windows 10 Home in S mode can upgrade to Windows 11 Home in S mode when the hardware meets Windows 11 requirements. To check for the upgrade, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education in S mode cannot upgrade directly to Windows 11 while remaining in S mode because Windows 11 S mode exists only with Home. Those devices must leave S mode before upgrading to Windows 11.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date, so remaining on Windows 10 should not be treated as a long-term solution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is Windows 11 S mode a separate version of Windows?
No. S mode is a mode of Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education are not available in S mode.
Can I install Chrome in Windows 11 S mode?
You may install a browser available through the Microsoft Store, but Chrome downloaded from Google’s website requires leaving S mode. Edge remains the default browser while S mode is enabled.
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Does leaving S mode cost money?
No. Leaving S mode through the Microsoft Store is free. Buying or upgrading to Windows Pro is a separate operation and may cost money.
Can I turn S mode back on after leaving?
No. Microsoft documents leaving S mode as permanent. The PC cannot normally be returned to Windows 11 S mode afterward.
Is Windows 11 S mode only for Snapdragon computers?
No. Windows 11 S mode supports Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Why is the Go to the Store link missing?
The device may be managed by an organization that blocks users from leaving S mode, or the Windows installation may not be in the expected Home in S mode configuration. On a managed PC, contact the administrator.
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Will my printer or accessibility software work on a Snapdragon PC?
Not necessarily. Compatibility can depend on whether the manufacturer provides a Windows 11 Snapdragon-compatible driver or application. Check with the hardware maker or software vendor before relying on it.
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