If all the applications you want to run are available in the Microsoft Store, S Mode is a more secure experience. That’s why Microsoft initially pitched S Mode for schools. You can run Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office, and anything else available in the Store, including apps like Apple i. Tunes and Spotify.
Windows 10 S Mode is a configuration that is designed to give you faster boot times, longer battery life, and better security. However, with Windows 10 S, you can’t use certain web browsers or download any apps that are not in the Microsoft Store.
Remember: While you can leave S Mode whenever you like, your choice to leave S Mode is a permanent decision. Once you’ve left S Mode, you can never put the PC back into S Mode. It will use a standard Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home operating system. However, you can choose to only allow apps from the Store on Windows 10 or on Windows 11.
You may be asking “What is “s mode”?”
Originally released in Windows 10 as Windows 10 S, “S Mode” is the helicopter parent of operating systems. Windows S Mode was built with low-powered devices in mind, allowing more affordable machines to continue running their best throughout the years.
Can I put my PC back in s mode?
Once you’ve left S Mode, you can never put the PC back into S Mode. It will use a standard Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional operating system. However, you can choose to allow apps only from the Store on any Windows 10 PC.
Can I install applications from the Microsoft Store in s mode?
PCs in S Mode can only install applications from the Microsoft Store. But you’re free to leave S Mode, if you like. Update: We originally wrote this article for Windows 10, and little has changed for Windows 11. If you have a PC running Windows 10 in S Mode and you upgrade to Windows 11, your PC will now be running Windows 11 in S Mode.