Windows 11 update issue repair involves coming out of S mode permanently

John Kurau 0 Reputation points
2026-10-06T12:10:44.4933333+00:00

Having problems with my Windows 11 updates. Just noticed that my HP laptop running windows 11 hasn’t updated for 2 years! Microsoft Support confirmed today the issue and has tried to fix this but the update still fails. They say the only fix to repair the windows 11 update involves switching out of S mode to reload 11. The issue with this is there is no return to S mode afterwards so it puts me in a worse position by having a less secure environment. Microsoft support (in India) said to contact HP as they are the ones who installed the original software as PC manufacturers and see if they can re install S mode as S mode it is not a Microsoft program. I challenged them on this as Microsoft website clearly states it is a Microsoft feature and not a HP feature, but the Microsoft support person disagreed and said to fix the windows update issue means coming out of S mode permanently. I called HP and they informed me that they have no control of the S mode and it is not a HP feature.

I need my Windows update fixed and still be in S mode afterwards. Please help. Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. DaveM121 937.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-06T12:49:17.0633333+00:00

    You are correct, Windows 11 S Mode is a Microsoft function, not a HP function.

    If your Windows 11 version has not been updated in 2 years, that indicates your Windows 11 version is no longer supported and that makes your system less secure.

    S Mode in Windows just limits you to installing apps from the Microsoft Store, and most people do need to switch out of S Mode to install the apps they need, and provided you only install apps from the developers website, then switching out of S Mode will not lower the security on your system.

    The problem is, most troubleshooting steps to resolve Windows updates do need you to switch out of S Mode, and because your Windows 11 system is so much out of date, most likely you would need to use the Windows 11 ISO to upgrade your system, and that cannot be done if Windows is in S Mode.

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