How do I reinstall Onedrive in S mode?

Eladio Venegas 40 Reputation points
2026-10-13T03:13:50.7166667+00:00

My recently purchased computer (windows 11, M365) was showing a Onedrive Error so I removed it with the hopes to reinstall but I cannot because I'm in S mode. How can I reinstall Ondrive without switching out of S mode which as I understand is permanent? Screenshot 2026-08-24 193254.png. All other Microsoft applications appear to working correctly.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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Answer accepted by question author
Paulo GM 74,140 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-13T04:17:37.27+00:00

Hi,

Switching out of S mode is a one-way process. That said, you can try the following to see if it works.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

  • Enter %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\ and press Enter.
  • If you see a folder with a version number, open it.
  • Look for OneDriveSetup.exe.
  • If the file is present, run it and wait for the installation to finish.
  • Once completed, check whether Windows is still in S Mode and OneDrive has been restored.

If this method doesn't work or you cannot find a version-numbered folder containing the setup file, you may unfortunately need to switch out of S mode to install OneDrive.

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Answer accepted by question author
Xuan Nhu 1,700 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-13T03:18:19.23+00:00

Dear Eladio,

Thank you for asking the forum community. You are correct that switching out of S mode is permanent, so I would not make that change just to troubleshoot OneDrive. Microsoft’s S mode guidance. Microsoft Support

There are two different OneDrive applications:

  • Microsoft OneDrive, the desktop application that synchronizes files and backs up folders.
  • The OneDrive Microsoft Store app, which lets you view your OneDrive files but does not provide that desktop backup and synchronization functionality.

Microsoft explains this distinction in its OneDrive reinstallation instructions. Installing the Store app therefore may not restore the functionality you removed. Microsoft Support

Please check Settings → Apps → Installed apps for Microsoft OneDrive, and search for OneDrive in Start. Could you share the exact message shown when you try to reinstall it and confirm whether you need automatic folder synchronization or simply access to your online files?

In the meantime, you can access files that have already uploaded through OneDrive on the web. Keep any local files that have not synced.

I could not verify a Microsoft-documented procedure specifically for reinstalling the removed desktop sync app while retaining Windows 11 S mode. If its installer is blocked, contact Microsoft Support or your computer manufacturer to check recovery options before changing S mode or resetting Windows.

If this helped, I’d appreciate a Like so others can find the answer more easily.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-13T03:14:25.02+00:00

    The OneDrive backup and sync client cannot be reinstalled while Windows 11 remains in S mode; to restore automatic syncing, you must permanently switch out of S mode and then install the desktop client.^1^

    If you need automatic backup and synchronization

    Switching is free but irreversible—Windows cannot be returned to S mode afterward.^2^

    1. Open Start → Settings → System → Activation.
    2. Find Switch to Windows 11 Pro, then select Go to the Store.
      • Do not select the option under Upgrade your edition of Windows; that is a different process.
    3. On the Switch out of S mode page, select Get.
    4. After Windows confirms the change, download the Microsoft OneDrive backup and sync app from the official OneDrive installer.
    5. Run the downloaded installer, sign in with the Microsoft account associated with Microsoft 365, and select the folders to synchronize.

    Reinstallation resets the OneDrive settings and initiates a full sync. Uninstalling OneDrive does not delete files already stored online; those files remain available through OneDrive on the web.^3^

    If you want to remain in S mode

    Search Microsoft Store for OneDrive by Microsoft Corporation. If it is offered for your device, it can display, upload, download, and share OneDrive files, but it does not back up or synchronize folders automatically. It is different from the desktop app named Microsoft OneDrive.^4^

    If the Store app is not available, use OneDrive through Microsoft Edge. That allows access to files but does not restore Windows folder synchronization.

    Therefore, the practical choices are:

    • Keep S mode: use the Store viewer, if available, or OneDrive in the browser.
    • Restore automatic syncing and folder backup: permanently switch out of S mode and reinstall the desktop OneDrive client.

    References

    1. Windows 11 in s mode with microsoft 365 personal account but i cannot re-install onedrive from Store - Microsoft Q&A
    2. Windows 11
    3. Reinstall OneDrive | Microsoft Support
    4. Which app do I have?
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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