How to Install Windows 10 in S Mode on a Windows 10 PC

Windows 10 in S mode is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar, productive Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance. By exclusively using apps in the Windows Store and ensuring that you browse safely with Microsoft Edge, Windows 10 in S mode keeps you running fast and secure day in and day out.

For more information about Windows 10 in S mode, see:

• Enable S mode | Microsoft Docs
• Windows 10 in S mode FAQ | Microsoft Support
• Supported Devices and Drivers | Microsoft Docs
• Introducing Windows 10 S - Streamlined for Security Superior Performance
• Test Windows 10 in S mode on existing Windows 10 education devices | Microsoft Docs

The Windows 10 in S mode Installer will allow you to test Windows 10 in S mode on a variety of individual Windows 10 devices (except Windows 10 Home) with a genuine, activated license.

This tutorial will show you how to install Windows 10 in S Mode on any existing activated Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro Education, Windows 10 Education, or Windows 10 Enterprise edition PC.

You must be signed in as an administrator to install Windows 10 in S mode.

Before you install Windows 10 in S mode

Before you install Windows 10 in S mode, be aware that non-Windows Store apps will not work, peripherals that require custom drivers may not work, and other errors may occur. In particular, this release of Windows 10 in S mode:

* Is intended for education customers to test compatibility with existing hardware.
* May not work with some device drivers, which may not yet be ready for Windows 10 in S mode and may cause some loss in functionality.
* May not be compatible with all peripherals that require custom drivers and, even if compatible, may cause aspects of the peripheral to not function.
* Has software and feature limitations compared to other Windows 10 editions, primarily that Windows 10 in S mode is limited to Store apps only.
* You can install Windows 10 in S mode on devices running other editions of Windows 10. For more information, see Supported devices. However, it is not recommended to install Windows 10 in S mode on Windows 10 Home devices as you won't be able to activate it.
* Will not run current Win32 software and might result in the loss of any data associated with that software, which might include software already purchased.
* Only personal files may be kept during installation. Your settings and apps will be deleted.

After installing Windows 10 in S mode, you will only have up to 10 days to be able to go back to the previous version of Windows 10 if wanted before the Windows.old folder (previous Windows) is automatically deleted.

It is highly recommended to create a system image backup in case you would like to return to your previously installed version of Windows 10 after trying Windows 10 in S mode.

* Create System Image in Windows 10 Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials
* Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials

EXAMPLE: Windows 10 in S Mode




Here's How:

1 Download the Windows 10 in S mode installer from Microsoft.

Download

2 Run the downloaded Windows10SInstaller5932.exe file.

3 Click/tap on Yes when prompted by UAC. (see screenshot below)

4 Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

5 If Windows 10 S can be installed, click/tap on Next or wait 10 seconds before it automatically continues. (see screenshot below)

6 The Windows 10 S Installed will now download, verify, and start installing Windows 10 S. (see screenshots below)

This may take a while to finish this stage.

7 When ready, click/tap on Restart now to restart the computer and complete the installation. (see screenshot below)

8 You PC will reboot soon. (see screenshots below)

This may take a while to finish, and your PC will restart several times.

9 When finished, click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

10 Turn on or off the privacy settings you want, and click/tap on Accept when finished. (see screenshots below)

   Note

You will be able to change all of these privacy settings at anytime in Windows 10.

• How to Turn On or Off Location Service in Windows 10
• How to Change Diagnostic and Usage Data Settings in Windows 10
• How to Turn On or Off Tailored experiences with diagnostic data in Windows 10
• How to Enable or Disable Let Apps use Advertising ID for Relevant Ads in Windows 10

11 Click/tap on Now now or Use Cortana for depending on if you want to use Cortana with your account in Windows 10. (see screenshot below)

You will be able to turn Cortana on or off at anytime in Windows 10.

12 Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

You will always be able to choose your default apps in Windows at anytime.

13 You can now sign in to Windows 10 in S mode. (see screenshots below)

14 When each user signs in for the first time, they will see the first sign-in animation below before reaching their desktop.

15 Click/tap on Yes or No for what you want to turn on network discovery. (see screenshot below)

You will be able to turn network discovery on or off at anytime in Windows 10.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Clean Install Windows 10
• How to Clean Install Windows 10 without any External Installation Media
• How to Switch to Windows 10 Pro from Windows 10 S
• How to Enable S mode in Windows 10

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