How to turn off S mode?

Mel Haas 0 Reputation points
2026-10-08T15:45:07.74+00:00

I want to install app from Google on my new Windows 11 PC

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-08T15:45:20.7333333+00:00

    To install apps that are not in Microsoft Store on Windows 11, switch out of S mode.

    1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
    2. Find the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section.
    3. Select Go to the Store.
    4. In Microsoft Store, on the Switch out of S mode page, select Get.
    5. Confirm the action. After that, apps from outside Microsoft Store can be installed.

    Important:

    • Switching out of S mode is permanent.
    • There is no charge to switch out of S mode.
    • Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That is a different process and keeps the PC in S mode.
    • If the device is managed by an organization and switching is blocked, contact the administrator.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Lester Bernard Reyes 86,175 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-08T16:21:51.4166667+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    Kindly follow the steps provided by the AI answer. If the issue persists, I recommend changing the PC region to the US or the UK. Then, if the issue persists, create a new user and try to exit S mode using another account:

    Method 1. Change the region to US or UK

    Go to Settings > Time & Language > Change the "Country or region" to US or UK, then go to the Microsoft Store and switch out of S mode.

    Method 2. Create a new admin user account, then switch out of S mode using the new account:

    Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account

    Follow the prompts to create an account.

    Then go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Select the account you created > Click "Change account type" then select "Administrator"

    Restart the PC and log in to the new account, then try to switch out of S mode.

    For reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-signin/manage-user-accounts-in-windows

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