CWSL Information Technology Service Desk

What is Windows 10 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. Windows 10’s S Mode is optional. Most Windows 10 PCs come with standard Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional operating systems that let you run software from everywhere. PCs that ship with S Mode will say they use “Windows 10 Home in S Mode” or “Windows 10 Professional in S Mode” in their product specifications. Windows 10 in S Mode can’t use command-line shells like PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Bash, either. Various other developer tools are also off-limits. You don’t have direct access to the Windows Registry via the Registry Editor, either.

Advantages of S Mode 

• Your computer will start faster, with a boot time of 10 to 15 seconds. 
• Your battery will last longer.
• Windows 10 S  Mode also offers consistent performance

Disadvantages of S mode 

• You are forced to use Microsoft Edge as your default browser.
• You are forced to use Bing as your default search engine.
• You can only install applications from the Microsoft Store. 
• You cannot use developer tools

How to Check if S Mode is Enabled?

You can check whether you’re using S Mode by heading to Settings > System > About. On the About page, scroll down to the “Windows Specifications” section.

If you see the words “in S mode” to the right the Edition entry, you’re using an S Mode PC. If you don’t, you’re not using S Mode.

How to Switch out of S Mode 

To increase security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs only apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to permanently switch out of S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode, but you won't be able to turn it back on. If you're blocked from switching and your device belongs to an organization, check with your administrator. Your organization can choose to keep all devices in S mode.

1. On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation.
2. Find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link

On the page that appears in the Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.

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