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About Windows 11 in S mode
Windows 11 in S mode is a version of Windows 11 that is streamlined for security and speed, but still feels like Windows. It only lets apps from Microsoft Store run, and for safe browsing, it requires Microsoft Edge.
How do I get Windows 11 in S mode?
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) puts Windows 11 Home in S mode on some devices right out of the box.
If your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 and you have Windows 10 Home in S mode, Windows Update will offer you a free upgrade to Windows 11 Home in S mode.
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Notes: Windows 11 upgrade begins in October 2021 and lasts until 2022. Device-specific timing. After Windows Update tests and confirms the upgrade’s compatibility with your PC, it will notify you. Settings > Update > See if Windows 11 is updated for your device.Download and install the update if it’s available for your device. |
Only the Windows 11 Home edition has the S mode for Windows 11. If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education versions of Windows 10 in S mode, you will need to permanently switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11.
How do I switch out of S mode?
Windows 11 S mode only runs Microsoft Store apps for security and efficiency. You must disable S mode if you wish to install a non-Microsoft Store program or upgrade from Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education to Windows 11. S mode can’t be turned back on once it’s off.
Contact your admin if you can’t switch, and your device is company-owned. You can keep all devices in S mode.
Switching out of S mode in Windows 10
- Open Activation in Settings > Update & Security > Activation on your PC that is running Windows 10 in S mode.
- Find the section that says “Switch to Windows 10 Home” or “Switch to Windows 10 Pro,” then click “Go to the Store.”
| Note: Don’t select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That’s a different process that will keep you in S mode. |
- Click the Get button on the page that comes up (Switch out of S mode or something similar). After you confirm this action, you can install apps from places other than the Microsoft Store.
Switching out of S mode in Windows 11
- Open Settings > System > Activation on your computer running Windows 11 in S mode.
- Find the section that says “Switch to Windows 11 Pro,” then click the link “Go to the Store.”
| Note: Don’t click the link under “Upgrade your Windows version.” That’s a different thing you can do to stay in S mode. |
- On the page that comes up in Microsoft Store (called “Switch out of S mode” or something similar), click “Get.” After you confirm this action, you can install apps from places other than the Microsoft Store.
How do I switch back to S mode?
There is only one way out of S mode. You’ll have to keep using Windows 11’s regular version if you leave S mode.
What kind of processor does Windows 11 in S mode run on?
A PC with an Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm Snapdragon processor can come with Windows 11 in S mode already installed. Here’s how to find out what kind of processor your Windows 11 computer has:
- Start by clicking the Start button, then go to Settings > System > About.
- Find out if it says Snapdragon, Intel, or AMD next to Processor on the About screen.
What apps can I use on a PC that’s running Windows 11 in S mode?
In Windows, you can get apps from Microsoft Store and put them on your computer.
You need Windows 11 to find Microsoft Store apps. Select Microsoft Store from the taskbar to see what apps are available for your device.
If you don’t see the Microsoft Store icon on the taskbar, click Start, type Microsoft Store, and then choose it from the results list to open the Store.
| Note: If you turn off S mode, you can install x86 Windows apps that aren’t in the Microsoft Store in Windows. |
I bought an app on another Windows 11 PC. Can I use it on my device that’s in S mode?
Your Microsoft account is linked to the apps you bought from the Microsoft Store. If you sign in with the same Microsoft account on another Windows 11 PC where you installed an app from the Microsoft Store, you should also be able to install it on your PC with Windows 11 in S mode.
If you keep your device in S mode, you’ll only be able to use apps from the Microsoft Store. Regarding apps and getting out of S mode, Windows 11 Snapdragon devices have essential limits.
I have a Windows 11 device in S mode. Can I Domain join it to my network?
In Windows 11 Home in S mode, there is no way to join a domain. To allow Azure AD Domain join or On-premise Domain join, take the device out of S mode and upgrade to Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Enterprise.
Can I set Google Chrome or Firefox as my default web browser when I’m using Windows 11 in S mode?
No. When you use Windows 11 in S mode, the default web browser is always Microsoft Edge, and the default search engine is Bing. But while in S mode, you can use other browsers and search engines. You can get any browser for Windows from the Microsoft Store and go to the website of any other search engine.
You’ll have to leave S mode for good if you want to download a browser or other app that isn’t in Microsoft Store. After you switch, you can choose which browser and search engine to use by default, but you can’t go back to S mode.
Do I need antivirus software while in S mode?
Yes, we recommend antivirus software for all Windows devices. Currently, Windows Defender Security Center is the only antivirus software known to work with Windows 11 in S mode. Windows Defender Security Center gives you a full set of security features that keep you safe for as long as your Windows 11 device is supported. To learn more, look at Windows security.
Also, keep in mind that Windows 11 in S mode keeps running faster and safer every day as long as you only use apps from Microsoft Store and browse the web with Microsoft Edge.
If you want to use a different antivirus software, you can ask the company if they have a product that works with Windows 11 in S mode.
Will my printer work with Windows 11 in S mode?
Many hardware accessories and peripherals, like printers, that work with Windows 11 Home also work with Windows 11 in S mode, though sometimes they only do a few things. For more information, go to Windows 10 in S mode accessory compatibility or call the company that made your accessory. For More Information like visit : akamsnetworksetup.info