Windows S Mode is a restricted version of Windows 11 and 10 where you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, cannot access the Registry or the Group Policy Editor, and are stuck with Edge and Bing as the default browser and search engine. To install an app unavailable in the Microsoft Store, you must get out of Windows S Mode and upgrade. But sometimes, you can’t switch out of the S mode because of an error.
Try these fixes to get out of the Windows S mode for good.
1. Check Microsoft Servers Status
Windows S mode has its merits and drawbacks; the only way to exit it is via the Microsoft Store. But if Microsoft Servers are down due to any issues, you will face issues when trying to get out of the S mode. So, check the officialMicrosoft Service statuswebsite or Microsoft Store’sX pagefor outage reports.
You can also check out third-party websites likeDown Detector. In such a case, patiently wait while Microsoft fixes the issue. If you use aVPN serviceon your PC, temporarily disconnect from it and then retry exiting the S mode.
2. Check the Microsoft Store Install Service
Microsoft Update service handles all the update-related tasks on your PC. With any glitch, you must restart it to get it working again.
3. Sign out and Sign in Again
You can try signing out of the Microsoft Store and then signing back in. After that, you can reattempt exiting the S mode.
4. Update All Store Apps
Outdated apps, including the Microsoft Store, can pose issues while trying to leave S mode. You must update all of them using the Microsoft Store update section. Even the update for the Microsoft Store app is available here.
5. Set the Correct Date and Time
Incorrect date and time settings on your PC can cause problems while installing or removing Windows features. So, you must manually sync the date and time settings with Windows servers.
6. Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The SoftwareDistribution folder contains temporary Windows update files. Rename the folder if there are issues with the app or Windows updates. Windows will recreate the folder when you try to check and download the updates.
7. Reset the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store app can stop working correctly due to corrupt cache files. So, you mustreset the Microsoft Store via Settings or the Terminal.
8. Re-Register All System Apps
If resetting the Microsoft Store doesn’t resolve the issue, you must re-register all system apps, including the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to do it:
9. Do an In-Place Upgrade
You cando an In-place upgrade on your Windows PCto get out of the S mode. It is better than resetting your Windows PC because an In-place upgrade preserves all your files, apps, and data stored in the C drive.
Get Rid of Windows S Mode
It’s not difficult to solve why you can’t exit the S mode on your Windows PC. Check Microsoft services, update the Microsoft Store app, and sign out and sign in again. Then, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, reset all system apps, and do an In-place Upgrade to fix the issue if everything fails.
