Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ – Microsoft Support

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Microsoft S Mode is designed to lock down the Windows operating system. You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, and you have to use the Microsoft Edge browser. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, you will need to permanently switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows To increase security and performance, Windows 11 in S mode runs only apps from Microsoft Store.

If you want to install an app that isn’t available in Microsoft Store, or if you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education and want to upgrade to Windows 11, 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.

Note: Don’t select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That’s a different process that will keep you in S mode. On the page that appears in 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 Microsoft Store.

Open Microsoft Store. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you switch out of S mode, you’ll need to keep using the standard version of Windows You can download and install apps from Microsoft Store in Windows.

To find Microsoft Store apps, you must be in Windows To discover which apps are available for your device, select Microsoft Store on the taskbar. If you don’t see the Microsoft Store icon on the taskbar, select Start , type Microsoft Store , then select it in the list of results to open the Store. Apps you bought from Microsoft Store are linked to your Microsoft account.

In most cases, if you install an app from Microsoft Store on another Windows 11 PC, you should be able to install it on your PC with Windows 11 in S mode if you sign in with the same Microsoft account. Unless you switch out of S mode, you’ll only be able to use apps from Microsoft Store on your device.

There are important limitations regarding apps and switching out of S mode on Windows 11 Snapdragon devices. Domain join is not available in Windows 11 Home in S mode. When you’re using Windows 11 in S mode, Microsoft Edge is always the default web browser, and Bing is the default search engine.

But you can access other browsers and search engines while in S mode. You can download any browser available in Microsoft Store in Windows, and you can navigate to any other search engine website.

If you want to download a browser or any other application that’s not in Microsoft Store, you’ll need to permanently switch out of S mode.

After you switch, you can then set your default browser and search engine to the one you choose, but you won’t be able to return to S mode again. Yes, we recommend all Windows devices use antivirus software. Currently, the only antivirus software known to be compatible with Windows 11 in S mode is the version that comes with it: Windows Defender Security Center.

Windows Defender Security Center delivers a robust suite of security features that help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 11 device. For more info, see Windows security. Also note that by exclusively using apps from Microsoft Store and browsing safely with Microsoft Edge, Windows 11 in S mode keeps you running more quickly and securely day in and day out.

If you want to use another antivirus software provider, you can ask if they offer a product that runs on a Windows 11 device in S mode. Many hardware accessories and peripherals such as printers that work with Windows 11 Home also work with Windows 11 in S mode, though sometimes they only offer limited functionality. For additional info, see Windows 10 in S mode accessory compatibility or contact your accessory manufacturer.

Always be connected to the internet. With a cellular data connection, you can be online wherever you get a cellular signal—just like with your mobile phone. Free you from outlets with a battery life that goes beyond all-day. You’ll use less power than you would with other PCs, so you can go through a typical work or school day without running out of battery or worrying about finding an outlet to plug into.

If you want to use the PC for something more fun, you can enjoy up to 20 or more hours of local video playback between battery charges. Turn on instantly. When you take out your PC and turn it back on, it turns on instantly. Whenever you have a few minutes in between classes, meetings, or other activities, you can get things done without waiting for your PC to start up.

Whether you’re running Windows 11 in S mode or not, there are some limitations when you run a PC on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor:. Drivers for hardware, games and apps will only work if they’re designed for a Windows 11 PC running on a Snapdragon processor. For more info, check with the hardware manufacturer or the organization that developed the driver. Drivers are software programs that communicate with hardware devices—they’re commonly used for antivirus and antimalware software, printing or PDF software, assistive technologies, CD and DVD utilities, and virtualization software.

Whether you’re in S mode or not, peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows. Games and apps won’t work if they use a version of OpenGL greater than 1. You can check with your game publisher to see if a game will work. Apps that customize the Windows experience might have problems. This includes some input method editors IMEs , assistive technologies, and cloud storage apps. The organization that develops the app determines whether their app will work on a Windows 11 PC running on a Snapdragon processor.

You won’t be able to install third-party antivirus software on any edition of Windows 11 running on a Snapdragon processor. However, Windows Defender Security Center will help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 11 device. Windows 11 in S mode provides built-in accessibility features that help you do more on your device. You can check Microsoft Store to see if your preferred assistive technology apps are available for a PC running in S mode.

If they aren’t available, you can permanently switch out of S mode to use non-Microsoft Store apps. You may want to check with the vendor to find out if their application is compatible with Windows 11 running on a Snapdragon processor. Not all assistive technology apps work as expected, even if you switch out of S mode. For more info, visit the NV Access website. Note: Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won’t be able to go back to S mode.

To learn more, see How do I switch out of S mode? If you make this switch, it’s permanent. Also, even if you aren’t in S mode, peripherals and devices will only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows It’s a good idea to check whether the hardware developer has published a version of the driver that runs on a Windows 11 device with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Note that switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won’t be able to go back to S mode on that device.

For more info, see How do I switch out of S mode? Every Windows 11 PC running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor can connect to a cellular data network, whether or not it’s S mode enabled. This lets you get online wherever you have a cellular signal. You’ll need a data plan and a SIM card from your mobile operator. To learn how to get connected after that, see Cellular settings in Windows. To see if your device will work, check the hardware manufacturer’s website or your mobile operator’s website.

You can also buy prepaid cellular data plans through Microsoft Store. For more information about how to buy a plan, see Add your Windows PC to your mobile account to get online. Windows 11 in S mode only works with compatible apps from Microsoft Store. Most apps in Microsoft Store work the same for devices whether they’re in S mode or not.

Many hardware accessories and peripherals such as printers that work with Windows 11 will also work with Windows 11 in S mode, but might have limited functionality. See Windows 10 in S mode Accessory Compatibility for more info on Microsoft hardware accessories, and for links to contact third parties if you have questions about using their accessories with Windows 11 in S mode. If you don’t find information on a specific model, check with your accessory manufacturer.

If you try to use an app that’s not in Microsoft Store, you’ll get a reminder that the app isn’t an option when you’re using Windows 11 in S mode. We’ll often suggest a category of similar apps or a specific app that’s already available in Microsoft Store. If you still want to download an application that’s not in Microsoft Store or has compatibility issues, you can switch out of S mode, but you won’t be able to switch back again.

The number of compatible apps and devices will continue to grow. For the most up-to-date information, you can always check back at this website, at Microsoft Store in Windows, or with the hardware or software manufacturer. If you absolutely need to use an app or device that’s not compatible, it’s easy to switch out of S mode—you just won’t be able to switch back.

Windows provides a number of built-in accessibility features to help you do more. If you need to use assistive technology apps that aren’t available through Microsoft Store, and aren’t downloadable on a Windows 11 device in S mode, you’ll need to switch out of S mode and you won’t be able to switch back. Windows 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 10 that’s streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience.

When you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the upgrade will attempt to install the same edition in Windows 11 as you have on your Windows 10 device. If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, Windows Update will not offer Windows 11 because S mode is not available in those editions of Windows Therefore, if you have the Pro, Enterprise or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, you’ll need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows To increase security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs only apps from Microsoft Store.

If you want to install an app that isn’t available in Microsoft Store, you’ll need to permanently switch out of S mode.

 
 

 

What is Windows 10 S and how is it different from regular Windows 10? | Windows 10 | The Guardian

 

Hi, I have recently bought a new laptop as my previous one was a mac and was restrictive working from home and for my course. I need to download 3 applications from the web which aren’t available in the Microsoft Store, but i know i cannot do this while in S mode. If someone could answer me these, it would be so helpful as S mode is really holding me back but z it safe to switch out?

Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn’t help. Yes : thanks so much! I was worried about it but now i know it will be best for me to switch to windows 10 home. Choose where you want to search /23024.txt Search Search the Community. Search the community and support articles Windows Windows 10 Search Community member.

I was wondering the following: – is there much difference in security when switching думаю windows 10 studentenlicentie free download соглашусь S mode? This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question Report abuse.

Details required :. Cancel Submit. Kevin Bart. Independent Advisor. Hi Ninafs I’m Kevin B. Independent advisor and a Windows 10 user like you. Gome you for bringing this up to us before you switch to Windows 10 Home. 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.

No, there is no big difference at all. The only thing that is different is that all the application that you can download will come windowx only Microsoft Store. No it will not run slower since all the features aside from the restriction of download and installation of an application will be included as well on your Windows 10 S mode. Hope this will help. Have a blessed day! Kevin B. Independent advisor. Thanks for your wineows. How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

In reply to Kevin Bart. Hi Kevin, Thank you so much for your quick response, it has been по ссылке helpful! Best, Windows 10 home vs windows 10 home s mode free. Hi Ninafs You’re pretty much welcome.

Just to verify have we fully addressed your concern? Many thanks. Hi Ninafs Thank you so much for keeping me posted. I do really appreciate your kindness. Hoping you all windows 10 home vs windows 10 home s mode free best. This site in other languages x.

 
 

Windows 10 in S mode: Pros and cons | TechRepublic

 
 

While Windows Home is suitable for many users, the fact that there are three different options can leave people wondering: If I have a home-based business, should I use Windows Home or Pro? Is S Mode a completely different version of Windows? Windows 10 Edition Overview When looking at the different Windows editions, we can think of them as layers.

Windows 10 Home The least expensive of the Windows operating systems is Windows What is the Microsoft Store? Come to Magnify Can the S mode be simply turned off? Or there is some price difference that I would pay and Microsoft would set up my new Windows 10?

Thanks in advance for any constructive answer or hint! This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread.

Threats include any threat of suicide, violence, or harm to another. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site. Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Windows 10 S , announced in , is a “walled garden” version of Windows 10 — it offers a faster, more secure experience by only allowing users to install software from the official Windows app store, and by requiring use of the Microsoft Edge browser.

Sometimes referred to as “Windows 10 in S mode,” Windows 10 S is installed on lower-cost laptops aimed at schools and students, including the Microsoft Surface Laptop. The stripped-down OS represents Microsoft’s efforts to compete in the classroom against the likes of Google Chromebooks and Apple iPads. Machines running Windows 10 S are easier for administrators to set up and manage, according to Microsoft — which can also be beneficial for small business owners.

If you want to, you can upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro to get the full Windows 10 experience. However, switching back afterward is more complicated you can find out how to do so in this guide to upgrading from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro and back. Atom Text Editor Shutdown. Android 13 Beta 3. Detect Hidden Surveillance Cameras. Use Your iPhone as a Webcam. Hide Steam Games You’re Playing.

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Joby Wavo Air Review. Razer Basilisk V3 Review. The Best Tech Newsletter Anywhere Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Update: We originally wrote this article for Windows 10, and little has changed for Windows