Escape from Windows 10 “S” Mode

Escape from Windows 10 “S” Mode

We have recently noticed that more Windows users with new computers are stuck in Windows 10 Home “S” mode. Why Microsoft even offers S mode is a good question. As you may not know, Windows 10 S mode users are limited to using apps and programs from the Microsoft Store only. That means you can’t install Google Chrome, Emsisoft Antimalware, Mozilla Firefox, OE Classic Email, Thunderbird Email, etc. If it doesn’t come from the Microsoft Store – you can’t install it on a Windows 10 S mode computer.

This is what Microsoft says about S mode…

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. There’s no charge to switch out of S mode.

How to get out of S mode

Almost everyone who has a Windows 10 computer stuck in S mode is, at some point in time, going to want to break the surly bonds of Microsoft and install the programs they love and want to use.

If you’ve been trying to install programs on your Windows 10 computer and find that you’re unable to install them, check to see if you’re stuck in S mode

1.) Type ACTIVATION in the taskbar search

2.) When you see “Activation settings” appear in the search results, press Enter.

3.) Under “Activation” next to “Edition” if you see “Windows 10 Home in S mode” then you’ll immediately have the answer as to why you cannot install programs other than the apps and programs in the Microsoft Store.

To escape from Windows 10 Home in S mode and switch to Windows 10 Home version with no extra charge follow the instructions below.

Open the Activation window (as above) and under “Switch to Windows 10 Home” under “Go the Store and switch to Windows 10 Home” click the blue Go to the Store link.

On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you’ll be using Windows 10 Home (not in S mode) and you’ll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.

A word of warning… be sure you click the “Go to the Store” link under “Switch to Windows 10 Home” and not under “Upgrade your edition of Windows”. If you click “Go to the store” under “Upgrade your edition of Windows” you’ll be buying Windows 10 Pro which will cost you $99. So, beware.