Operating System

What Is Windows 10 S Mode, and How to Disable it?

Sometimes, you have bought a new Windows computer or laptop, but you might have noticed that some specific apps do not install on your PC. This situation happens when you run a Windows 10 S on your PC.

In this article, we describe what is Windows 10 S mode, and how do you turn it off. To learn more about Windows 10 S mode, follow us till the end of this article.

What is Windows 10 S Mode?

Windows 10 S Mode is a configuration that helps you with longer life of the battery, faster boot times, and better security. But, you need to know that on Windows 10 S, you cannot download and install some specific applications from web browsers. Simply, you can only download apps from Microsoft Store.

Advantages of Windows 10 S Mode

Microsoft said that Windows 10 S Mode delivers predictable performance and quality. It presents you a lot of benefits such as better performance, faster boot times, better security, and so on.

Here is a list of Windows 10 S benefits:

  • Faster boot times: A PC with Windows 10 S boots 80% faster than a PC with Windows 10 pro. Tests show that a Windows 10 S computer should start up in less than 15 seconds.
  • Consistent performance: Windows 10 S helps you with memory storage and CPU, which means you do not need to use as much processing power or memory. So, your PC will work like new for longer.
  • Save files to clouds automatically: With Windows 10 S, you can access anything on your PC with a device connected to the internet. Because, on Windows 10 S, files will be saved on OneDrive automatically.
  • Longer battery life: Windows 10 S is a stripped-down version of Windows. So, it consumes 15% less power and makes your PC’s battery life prolonged. In the words of Microsoft, a Surface laptop with Windows 10 S will be able to last up to 14.5 hours on a single charge.
Longer battery life
  • Have a lot of apps: when S mode was released for the first time, Microsoft was barren and did not have a lot of apps. But, now, you can find a lot of various apps from productivity to entertainment apps. You can find both free and premium apps on Microsoft Store.
  • Better security: Since you can only download applications from the Microsoft store, the likelihood of accidentally downloading malicious software and bugs will decrease significantly. Furthermore, Microsoft advises users to use the Windows Defender Security Center to protect their PC.

Disadvantages of Windows 10 S Mode

Alongside the advantages of Windows 10 S, it has some disadvantageous that may make you disable it. For instance, on Windows 10 S you can only use Bing and the Edge browser as your search engine. In addition to that, you cannot use some peripherals, third-party apps, and configuration tools.

Here is a list of some Windows 10 S disadvantageous:

  • Not third-party applications: On Windows 10 S, you can only download apps from the Microsoft Store. If you try to download a specific app from other sources, you will confront a pop-up window that blocks you from using that app.
third-party applications
  • You can only use Bing and Edge: If the S mode is enabled on your device, you would be able to only use Bing and the Edge browser as your search engine. It means you cannot use other browsers such as Firefox and Chrome. And also, you will have to go to Google.com when you want to use the search engine.
  • No operating system customization and configuration tools: On Windows 10 S you will not have any access to the PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Registry for troubleshooting and system configuration.
  • Limited support for accessories: Windows 10 S allows you to use some specific peripherals, such as webcams, printers, and wireless mice.

How to Check Whether your Windows 10 S is Enabled?

To check out if your Windows 10 S Mode is enabled, follow these steps below:

  • Go to the Start menu.
  • Open Settings (It has a gear icon).
  • Go to the System section.
  • Choose About from the left side menu.
  • To see if you have Windows 10 S enabled, check the Edition option under the Windows Specifications section.
How to Check Whether your Windows 10 S is Enabled?

How to Turn Off My Windows 10 S Mode?

Now, if Windows 10 S mode is enable on your device and you are willing to turn it off, you need to follow the steps below:

Note: Once you turn off Windows 10 S mode, there is no way to enable it again since Windows 10 S mode is a one-way process. So, make your final decision to disable it or not.

  • Go to the Start menu.
  • Open Settings (It has a gear icon).
  • Then, go to the Update & Security section.
  • Choose Activation from the left side menu.
  • Then, click on Go to the store to switch to Windows 10 Home.
  • Now, a window will pop up which says Switch out of S Mode.
How to Turn Off My Windows 10 S Mode?
  • Click on the Get option. (It is a blue button that is located under the description.
  • Eventually, select Install and wait until the process finishes. When the process finished, A message will pop up which says, “You’re all set! You have switched out of S mode and can now install apps from outside the Store”.

Conclusion

Here, we talked about Windows 10 S Mode and a way to check it out and switch it off. Do you have any experience working with a Windows 10 S Mode PC? Which Windows 10 edition do you prefer? Share your ideas with us!

Kimia Sh

Kimia is an accomplished author and technology enthusiast with a keen interest in writing about Windows tips and tricks. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Kimia always had a fascination for technology and its ever-evolving capabilities. After completing her studies in Computer Science, Kimia started working in the software development industry, where she gained extensive experience and technical expertise. Her passion for writing about technology led her to create a blog focused on providing Windows users with useful tips and tricks. Kimia's blog quickly gained popularity, and she became known for her ability to communicate technical concepts in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner. Her articles are praised for their clarity and practicality, and she has developed a loyal following of readers who look to her for advice on getting the most out of their Windows systems. In addition to writing about technology, Kimia is also an accomplished software developer and has contributed to the development of numerous applications and software programs. Her technical expertise gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Windows users, and she is always seeking out new ways to make their lives easier and more efficient. When she's not working on her blog or developing software, Kimia enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid traveler and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines. Overall, Kimia is a talented author and technology expert who is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. Her dedication to providing practical, useful advice to Windows users has made her a respected figure in the industry, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her work on her blog and beyond.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button