How to Switch out of S mode in Windows 10 for Free
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. There's no charge 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.
For more details about Windows 10 in S mode, see:
- Introducing Windows 10 in S mode - Performance that lasts
- Windows 10 Pro in S mode | Microsoft Docs
- Windows 10 in S mode FAQ | Windows support
- Switch to Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise from S mode | Microsoft Docs
- Switch to Windows 10 Pro Education in S mode from Windows 10 Pro in S mode | Microsoft Docs
- Switching out of S mode in Windows 10 | Microsoft support
This tutorial will show you how to switch out of Windows 10 in S mode to the current Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, or Windows 10 Education edition for free.
You must be signed in as an administrator to switch out of S mode in Windows 10.
For a Windows 11 version of this tutorial, see:
Switch out of S mode in Windows 11
Here's How:
1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Update & Security icon.
2 Click/tap on Activation on the left side, and click/tap on the Go to the Microsoft Store link under the Switch to Windows 10 <current edition> section on the right side. (see screenshot below)
The <current edition> (ex: Home) of Windows 10 will be the same as what you currently have in S mode.
3 Click/tap on the Get button on the Switch out of S mode page in the Microsoft Store app. (see screenshot below)
4 Click/tap on the Install button when ready to start switching out of S mode. (see screenshot below)
5 When prompted, click/tap on Yes, let's go to confirm. (see screenshot below)
6 You will now switch out of S mode silently in the background until finished (not long). Restarting the computer is not required.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Install Windows 10 in S Mode on a Windows 10 PC
- How to Enable S mode in Windows 10
- How to Switch from Windows 10 in S mode to Windows 10 Pro