Windows 10 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn’t available in the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to switch out of S mode. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won’t be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode.
Windows 10 in S Mode is a more limited, locked-down Windows operating system. In S Mode, you can only install apps from the Store, and you can only browse the web with Microsoft Edge. Microsoft is pitching security, speed, and stability here. Because Windows can only run apps from the Store, malware from the web won’t be able to run.
A common query we ran across in our research was “What is s mode in Windows 10 home?”.
Windows 10 S mode looks and feels no different than using Windows 10 home, Pro, or Enterprise, but it allows administrators to keep a short leash on users. Windows 10 S mode is also built to run on far lower end PCs, without bogging down their hardware, meaning a simple PC deployment for a user that only needs access to Office apps.
If all the applications you want to run are available in the Microsoft Store, S Mode is a more secure experience. That’s why Microsoft initially pitched S Mode for schools. You can run Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office, and anything else available in the Store, including apps like Apple i. Tunes and Spotify.
Windows 10 home in S-mode is the same as windows 10 home except that 1 ) you can only install apps from the store 2) you must use the Edge browser 3) the search engine is fixed to Bing.
Which hardware accessories work with Windows 10 in s mode?
Many hardware accessories and peripherals (such as printers) that work with Windows 10 Home and Pro will work with Windows 10 in S mode, though only with limited functionality in some scenarios. Please check with your accessory manufacturer to learn more.
Can you download apps on Windows 10 S mode?
However, with Windows 10 S, you can’t use certain web browsers or download any apps that are not in the Microsoft Store. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 S Mode “delivers predictable performance and quality.”.
PCs in S Mode can only install applications from the Microsoft Store. But you’re free to leave S Mode, if you like. Update: We originally wrote this article for Windows 10, and little has changed for Windows 11. If you have a PC running Windows 10 in S Mode and you upgrade to Windows 11, your PC will now be running Windows 11 in S Mode.
Can I put my PC back in s mode?
Once you’ve left S Mode, you can never put the PC back into S Mode. It will use a standard Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional operating system. However, you can choose to allow apps only from the Store on any Windows 10 PC.
How do I Turn on Windows 10 home mode?
Go to Settings. In the left sidebar, click Activation. Then click “Go to the Store.” You will see this under the “ Switch to Windows 10 Home / Pro ” section. Press the “Get” button under the “Switch out of S Mode” section and wait for the process to complete.