S Mode in Windows 11 is a locked-down configuration that restricts app installation to the Microsoft Store only — blocking all third-party .exe and .msi installers.
It improves security by preventing unauthorized software from running, but limits flexibility. Once you switch out of S Mode, you cannot return to it on the same installation.
Quick Answer
To disable S Mode, open Settings ? System ? Activation, click Open Store next to the Switch out of S Mode section, then click Get in the Microsoft Store page that opens.
What Is Windows 11 S Mode
Windows 11 S Mode is a security-focused variant available on Home editions that enforces app installation exclusively through the Microsoft Store — no exceptions.
Every app in the Microsoft Store is vetted by Microsoft, which significantly reduces the risk of malware, spyware, and unauthorized software reaching the system.
S Mode also tends to improve battery life and performance — fewer background processes run since only lightweight Store apps can be installed and launched on the device.
Note: S Mode is available only on Windows 11 Home — it is not available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions at all.
Should You Use Windows 11 S Mode
S Mode is a good fit for casual users, students, or shared household devices where security matters more than software flexibility — everything needed is in the Microsoft Store.
However, S Mode becomes limiting the moment you need software not available in the Store — Chrome, VS Code, Steam, and most professional tools require leaving S Mode permanently.
If you regularly need to install third-party .exe software or run command-line tools, disable S Mode — there is no benefit to keeping it once it blocks your workflow.
How to Disable Windows 11 S Mode
Disabling S Mode is free, takes about 30 seconds, and requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account. The switch is permanent — you cannot re-enable S Mode afterward.
Step-by-Step: Switch Out of S Mode
Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to System ? Activation to see the S Mode section at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Click Open Store next to “Switch out of S Mode” — this launches the specific Microsoft Store page for the S Mode switch.
Step 3: In the Microsoft Store page for “Switch out of S Mode”, click the Get button — confirm if prompted. Windows will switch your device out of S Mode immediately.
Alternatively, paste ms-windows-store://switchwindows directly into your browser address bar to open the S Mode switch page in the Microsoft Store instantly.
Note: Switching out of S Mode preserves all your personal files, photos, documents, and currently installed apps — only the restriction on app sources is lifted.
How to Restrict App Installation Without S Mode
If you have already left S Mode but want to limit where apps can be installed, you can restrict installation to the Microsoft Store via the Settings app instead.
Go to Settings ? Apps ? Advanced app settings and set Choose where to get apps to The Microsoft Store only (recommended) — this mimics S Mode behavior without the lock-in.
Unlike S Mode, this setting is reversible — you can switch back to “Anywhere” anytime, making it a safer choice for parents or shared device administrators.
When S Mode Is Worth Keeping
Keep S Mode if the device is primarily used for web browsing, email, streaming, and Office apps — the Microsoft Store covers all these use cases without needing outside software.
It is particularly valuable for children’s devices or elderly users who may accidentally install malicious software — S Mode acts as a strong safety barrier by default.
Once you leave S Mode, there is no going back on the same Windows installation — if unsure, try the reversible Store-only setting first before making the permanent switch.
Related Guides
These Windows 11 guides cover settings and security features that relate to controlling how apps are installed and managed on your device.