WIN 11 S Mode

Kimberly B 0 Reputation points
2026-10-10T18:26:55.99+00:00

If I uninstall Win 11 S Mode will BitLocker continue to work? I really do not want to do this but I need Quicken and am I correct in what I am reading that Quicken will not work with WIN 11 S Mode?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Diana Mariz 11,025 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-10T19:09:50.8966667+00:00

    Hi Kimberly,

    As per checking, switching out of Windows 11 S mode should not disable BitLocker or Device Encryption. S mode mainly restricts app installation to Microsoft Store apps. Once you switch out of S mode, you can continue using Windows normally, but you'll be able to install applications from outside the Microsoft Store. Microsoft notes that this change is permanent and cannot be reversed.

    Regarding your concern for Quicken, if the version you need is not available through the Microsoft Store, you will need to switch out of S mode to install and run it. Windows 11 S mode only supports apps obtained through the Microsoft Store.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-10T18:27:35.5366667+00:00

    You can switch out of Windows 11 S mode to install Quicken Classic without giving up BitLocker-based device encryption, but verify that Device encryption remains enabled afterward.

    Quicken states that Quicken Classic works with regular Windows 11 but is not compatible with Windows 11 in S mode ^1^. S mode permits only Microsoft Store apps, so Quicken Classic requires leaving S mode.

    Before switching

    • Ensure that you know the Microsoft account used on the PC. On eligible Windows 11 Home devices, Device encryption uses BitLocker technology and automatically backs up the recovery key to that Microsoft account when an administrator signs in with it ^2^.
    • Search Windows Settings for Device encryption and confirm it currently says On.
    • Back up important Quicken and personal files.

    Switch out of S mode

    1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
    2. Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro, select Go to the Store.
    3. On the Microsoft Store’s Switch out of S mode page, select Get.
    4. Wait for the confirmation, then install Quicken from Quicken’s official download source.

    Do not select the separate option under Upgrade your edition of Windows; that is a different operation. Switching out of S mode is free but permanent—you cannot turn S mode back on ^3^.

    Verify encryption afterward

    1. Search Settings for Device encryption.
    2. Confirm Device encryption is On.
    3. If it is off, turn it on and allow encryption to complete while the PC is connected to power.
    4. Confirm that the recovery key is stored safely with the Microsoft account used on the PC.

    Windows 11 Home uses the simplified Device encryption interface on supported hardware; full BitLocker management and enablement controls are associated with editions such as Windows 11 Pro. Device encryption is nevertheless available across Windows editions on qualifying devices ^2^.

    Leaving S mode removes its Microsoft-Store-only restriction; it is not the same action as decrypting the drive or turning off Device encryption.

    References

    1. Quicken System Requirements
    2. BitLocker overview
    3. Windows 11
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