Yes, S mode offers enhanced security and gives you the feeling of feeling secure, but what happens when you are fed up and want to switch? Today, we will show you how to switch out of S mode in Windows 10 and 11!
Windows in S Mode is all about security and performance, but it can feel a bit too restrictive if you’re itching to download apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store.
Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll unravel the mystery of how to switch out of S Mode in Windows 10/11. We’ll walk you through two simple methods, and once you’ve done it, you’ll have the freedom to install apps from anywhere you like.
How to switch out of S mode: Explained
Below, you will see two different ways regarding how to switch out of S mode in Windows. If you have a Microsoft account, you can follow the second one, but if you want to do it in BIOS, scroll down and find the related section. Here is how to switch out of S mode in Windows 10 and 11!
Access the Settings Panel
To kick things off, click on the trusty Windows menu in the bottom left corner of your screen. You can’t miss it – it’s the one with the Windows logo. Now, see that gear-shaped icon? That’s your ticket to the Settings panel. Go ahead and click it. Or if you’re feeling fancy, press the Windows key and ‘I’ at the same time – that’s ‘Windows key + I’ – for a speedy shortcut.
Navigate to Activation
Inside the Settings panel, you’ll find various options, but we’re on a mission to escape S Mode. So, scroll down a bit and look for ‘Activation.’ Click on it, and keep your eyes peeled for the magic words ‘Windows 10/11 Home in S Mode.’ When you spot that, you’re in the right place.
Make the Switch
Now, it’s time to make your great escape. Click on ‘Switch to Windows 10/11 Pro,’ and it’ll whisk you away to the Microsoft Store. Once there, hit ‘Upgrade your edition of Windows.’ Finally, click the ‘Get’ button under ‘Switch out of S Mode,’ and you’re on your way to freedom.
Once you’ve confirmed your choice, your PC will bid farewell to S Mode, and you can start downloading apps from outside the Microsoft Store. It’s as simple as that!
How to switch out of S mode using BIOS
If you don’t have a Microsoft Account, don’t worry. You can still break free from S Mode by tinkering with the BIOS. Here’s how:
Boot into Advanced Startup
First, click on the trusty Start menu, then select ‘Settings.’ From there, navigate to ‘System’ and click on ‘Recovery.’ Now, you’ll see an option that says ‘Restart Now’ next to ‘Advanced Startup.’ Go ahead and give it a click, and your PC will soon whisk you away to a blue screen filled with options.
Dive into the UEFI
In this mysterious land of Advanced Startup, click on ‘Troubleshoot.’ Next, select ‘Advanced Options’ and then find ‘UEFI Firmware Settings.’ Click that, and your PC will magically transport you into the UEFI.
Now, the location of the Secure Boot option might be a bit of a hide-and-seek game, depending on your PC’s brand. If you’re sporting a Dell, you might find it under ‘Secure Boot.’ For other folks, check out the ‘Boot’ or ‘Boot Options’ menu within the UEFI.
Disable Secure Boot
Once you’ve tracked down the Secure Boot option, it’s time to give it the boot. Disable it, and keep in mind that this action will also bid adieu to features like Windows Hello and Bitlocker. But don’t worry, you can always re-enable Secure Boot later if you want.
Save and Exit
After you’ve worked your magic in the UEFI, save your changes and make your exit. Your PC will now boot into the regular version of Windows 10/11, and S Mode will be a thing of the past.
With these two straightforward methods, you’ve successfully switched out of S Mode and are ready to explore the vast world of apps beyond the Microsoft Store. Happy downloading!
Featured image credit: Clint Patterson/Unsplash
