An In-Depth Look at Windows 11 in S Mode

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Microsoft's Windows 10 S mode has been around for a while, offering a streamlined and secure user experience for entry-level devices across various budget segments. Now, S mode is coming to Windows 11 Home, bringing more security, performance improvements, and a familiar user experience. In S mode, Windows 11 users can install apps only from the Microsoft Store and enjoy a safer browsing experience.

However, many Windows 11 users are still unaware of its S Mode. So, if you're wondering, “What is S Mode in Windows 11?” you've come to the right place. In this article, you'll learn everything about S Mode on Windows 11, what it is, and how to turn it on or off. Let's get started!

What is Windows 11 in S mode?

The S mode of the Windows operating system was first introduced with Windows 10 S, which was designed with low-power devices in mind, ensuring that more affordable stations could maintain optimal performance over time.

Using Windows 11 in S mode will give you a more restricted version of Windows. In Windows 10's S mode, web browsing and app installations were limited to Microsoft Edge and the Store. In Windows 11's S mode, you can install other browsers from the Microsoft Store, but Edge will always be the default.

With Windows 11 in S mode, Microsoft is emphasizing security, speed, and stability. Because you can launch only apps from the Windows Store, malware can't run on the OS. Web apps don't install on your machine, so they can't slow down startups or sneak spyware onto your system in the background.

S Mode also promotes the use of the Bing search engine. While in S Mode, you can't change the default search from Edge to Google or another search provider. You can still search using other search engines, like Google.com, from within Edge.

In Microsoft Windows 11's S mode, PowerShell, the Command Prompt, or Bash cannot be used as command-line shells, and other widely used development tools are similarly restricted. The Windows Registry is not directly accessible via the Registry Editor.

If all the apps you use are available in the Microsoft Store, S mode provides a more secure environment. That's why it was originally designed for schools. It lets you run Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office, and other apps like Apple iTunes and Spotify.

How to Enter S Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 in S mode ensures a safe browsing and internet connection experience. As such, it only allows the installation of verified apps through the Microsoft Store. If you want to keep your operating system protected from malware attacks or prevent downloading files from the internet that might harm your device, you should use Windows 11 in S mode.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may install Windows 11 Home in S mode on specific devices. If you're already running Windows 10 Home in S mode, and your device meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, you'll be offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 Home in S mode through Windows Update.

The crucial point to note, however, is that you cannot manually enter S mode. It's a one-way process, meaning you can exit it but cannot manually enter S mode on Windows 11. If you're using Windows 11 in S mode, the only way to retain the S mode configuration on your device is by choosing to update your version of Windows. You can, however, check if you're using Windows 11 in S mode. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 computer.

Step 2: Next, click the System icon.

Step 3: Click on the About Windows option. If you see "Windows 11 Home in S mode" next to "Version," your device is running in Windows S Mode.

In addition to using S Mode to safeguard your device from malware, you can also use antivirus software like Total AV.

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How to Exit S Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 in "S mode" focuses on security and efficiency by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store. To install apps that aren't in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to leave "S mode." As of now, "S mode" is only available for Windows 11 Home.

If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education in S mode installed, Windows Update won't offer the upgrade to Windows 11 because S mode isn't available in Windows 11. So, if your current edition of Windows 10 is Pro, Enterprise, or Education in S mode, you'll need to switch out of S mode before you can upgrade to Windows 11.

Now, follow these steps to exit S mode in Windows 11:

Step 1: On your Windows 11 computer, go to Settings.

2. On the left pane, click the System tab. Then, on the right pane, select About.

<img> Select "About" <img src="/images/en/screenshot/todo-backup/guide/everything-about-s-mode-in-windows-11-3.jpg" width="600" height="307">

Step 3: Scroll down and click the Activation tab under Settings in the About section.

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Step 4: On the next screen, tap Extended S mode, then tap Open Store.

‹ Image: Choose Open the Store ‹

Step 5: This will take you to the "Get out of S Mode" Microsoft Store page. Click the "Get" button to remove S Mode from your PC. A pop-up will appear when you're out of S Mode.

Note: After you leave S mode, you can download apps from any website.

<img src="/images/en/screenshot/todo-backup/guide/everything-about-s-mode-in-windows-11-6.jpg" width="601" height="262" alt="Select Get started">

Should I use Windows S mode?

A version of Windows 11 in “S mode” can protect the operating system from external threats, malware, and viruses; that will also help guard against ransomware.

In S mode, remote access malware and spyware can't be downloaded or installed. So devices in Windows 11 S mode are protected from ransomware attacks.

But a PC in S mode can run apps only from the Microsoft Store, which sounds limiting – and is. If all you need is Microsoft's Edge browser, Office, and everything else in the Store, a PC in S mode is fine – for students, small businesses, and less-experienced users.

However, if you need an app that isn't in the store, you'll have to leave S Mode. And you might want to try a PC in S Mode for a while to see how it performs for you.

Conclusions

While using Windows 11 in S mode can help protect your PC from malware, it also has some serious downsides. After reading this article, we hope you now know what S mode is all about in Windows 11 and can enable or disable it as needed!