How to Turn S Mode Back On in Windows: The Truth You Need to Know

You cannot turn S Mode back on once you’ve disabled it. This is permanent. Microsoft designed it this way intentionally. If you disable S Mode, you’re stuck with standard Windows. No going back, no exceptions. If you need S Mode again, your only option is a complete Windows reinstall with S Mode already enabled.

This catches a lot of people off guard. They turn it off, then change their mind later. By then, it’s too late.

Understanding Windows S Mode

Before we explain why you can’t turn it back on, let’s be clear about what S Mode actually is.

Windows S Mode is a locked-down version of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Think of it like a simplified version of Windows with training wheels on. It’s designed to be faster, more secure, and use less battery power. Most budget laptops come with S Mode enabled.

Here’s what S Mode does:

You can only install apps from the Microsoft Store. No downloading software from random websites. No Chrome, no VLC, no Zoom from their website. Only Microsoft Store versions exist.

Microsoft Edge is the only web browser available. You can’t use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Performance is optimized. Your computer starts faster and stays faster because fewer programs run in the background.

Security is tighter. You can’t accidentally download malware from untrusted sources because you can’t download from untrusted sources at all.

Battery lasts longer. A Surface Laptop running S Mode can reach 14.5 hours on a charge instead of the standard 8 to 10 hours.

Why You Can’t Turn S Mode Back On

Microsoft made this a one-way switch for a specific reason. They wanted to prevent people from casually switching back and forth. Each time you switch, your system settings and registry change. Repeated switching causes conflicts and stability issues.

By making it permanent, Microsoft forces users to think carefully before disabling S Mode. It’s like a “are you absolutely sure?” moment that actually sticks.

The company treats S Mode as a deployment choice, not a casual setting you toggle on and off. If organizations want their computers running in S Mode, they need that to be stable and permanent. Your device isn’t supposed to flip between modes.

From a technical standpoint, disabling S Mode makes registry changes and system policy modifications that can’t be cleanly reversed. The architecture simply doesn’t support switching back without a full reinstall.

What Happens When You Disable S Mode

When you switch out of S Mode, your Windows version changes. You move from S Mode to Windows Home, Pro, or whatever edition you started with. This isn’t just a setting flip. Your Windows installation fundamentally changes.

After this happens:

You gain access to traditional desktop applications. Install Chrome, Zoom, your favorite software. Download anything from anywhere.

You can use any web browser. Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Edge, whatever you prefer.

Your system has more flexibility. Change more settings, customize more features, run power user tools.

Windows Defender still protects you. Security doesn’t disappear just because you left S Mode. Built-in protection remains active.

But here’s the catch: once S Mode is gone, you don’t get it back without completely reinstalling Windows with S Mode enabled from the start.

How to Reinstall Windows S Mode (If You Really Need It)

If you’ve already disabled S Mode and now you need it back, there’s only one path forward. You need to reinstall Windows with S Mode enabled.

This requires technical knowledge. It’s not a simple process. Most people shouldn’t attempt it.

The technical approach involves:

Downloading a Windows installation image from Microsoft’s website.

Creating a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool.

Modifying the installation image to include S Mode (requires Windows ADK tools and registry editing).

Backing up all your data first because this process wipes your entire drive.

Booting from USB and installing Windows fresh with S Mode enabled.

This takes hours and carries real risk. If anything goes wrong, you lose your data. For most users, this isn’t practical.

Most people in this situation either accept Windows without S Mode or buy a new device that ships with S Mode already enabled.

When S Mode Makes Sense

S Mode works well for specific situations.

Students and young people: They get a secure, simple device that won’t get bogged down with junk software.

Parents buying for kids: S Mode keeps the system safe and fast while limiting what can be installed without permission.

Light computer users: You only need email, web browsing, and Microsoft Office. S Mode handles this perfectly.

Organizations deploying to employees: S Mode keeps systems standardized and secure across the entire company.

Budget laptop owners who value speed: When your hardware isn’t powerful, S Mode’s optimizations actually matter.

When You Should Disable S Mode

You should disable S Mode if any of these apply to you:

You need specific software that only exists as a desktop application. Many professional tools only have desktop versions.

You use Google Chrome or Firefox and don’t want to switch to Edge.

You depend on printer drivers, scanner software, or other hardware utilities that aren’t in the Microsoft Store.

You’re a tech person who wants control over your system.

You need to install development tools, coding programs, or advanced software.

You use remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer for work.

You support others with computer problems and need tools to diagnose issues.

If none of these describe you, S Mode is probably fine. You lose nothing staying in it.

How to Disable S Mode (Since You Can’t Turn It Back On)

If you’ve decided you really need to leave S Mode, here’s how to do it. This is quick, free, and takes about two minutes.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This opens Settings instantly.

Step 2: Navigate to System Settings

On Windows 11, click “System” in the left sidebar. On Windows 10, click “Update and Security.”

Step 3: Find Activation

Scroll down and click “Activation.”

Step 4: Look for the S Mode Switch

You’ll see a section labeled “Switch to Windows 11 Home” (or Windows 10 Home depending on your version). This button only appears if you’re currently in S Mode.

Click “Go to the Store” under this section.

Step 5: Complete the Process

The Microsoft Store opens automatically. Click the button to switch out of S Mode. There’s no charge.

Confirm the action when prompted.

Your computer restarts, and you’re done.

After restart, S Mode is gone permanently.

Alternative Method: Resetting the Microsoft Store

Sometimes the Settings app has issues. If the button doesn’t appear or won’t work, try resetting the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Go to Apps and Features

Open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Apps and features.

Step 2: Find Microsoft Store

Scroll down to locate “Microsoft Store.”

Step 3: Click Advanced Options

Click the three dots next to Microsoft Store and select “Advanced options.”

Step 4: Reset the Store

Scroll down to the Reset section and click “Reset.” Confirm when prompted.

Step 5: Try Again

After reset, restart your computer and return to Settings > Activation. The S Mode switch should now work.

This fixes most issues where the normal process fails.

Troubleshooting S Mode Issues

Problem: The S Mode switch button doesn’t appear

Your computer might not actually be in S Mode. Check by going to Settings > System > About and looking for “S mode” in the description. If it’s not listed, you’re already out of S Mode.

Problem: You get an error message when trying to switch

Make sure you’re signed in with a Microsoft Account, not a local account. S Mode switching requires a Microsoft Account. You can convert a local account in Settings > Accounts > Your info.

Problem: Your internet connection is too slow

The Microsoft Store needs a stable connection to complete the process. Switch to wired Ethernet or move closer to your router.

Problem: You have pending Windows updates

Windows sometimes blocks the S Mode switch if updates are waiting. Go to Settings > Update and Security > Check for updates, install everything, restart, then try again.

Important Security Reminder

Once you disable S Mode, you have full access to install anything. This freedom comes with responsibility.

Keep Windows Defender active. It still protects you.

Keep Windows Update enabled. Security patches arrive regularly.

Be careful what you download. Just because you can download from anywhere doesn’t mean you should.

Consider enabling “Controlled Folder Access” in Windows Defender to protect important files from ransomware.

Avoid downloading programs from sources you don’t trust.

Leaving S Mode doesn’t remove protection, but it does require you to make smarter choices about what software you install.

Performance After Leaving S Mode

One question people ask: will my computer get slower if I leave S Mode?

The answer depends on your hardware. If your laptop has a powerful processor and plenty of RAM (8GB or more), you probably won’t notice a difference. Modern Windows runs fine on decent hardware.

If your laptop has a slower processor (like a Celeron or Pentium), limited RAM (4GB), or eMMC storage instead of an SSD, you might notice S Mode kept things snappier. Leaving S Mode could introduce some slowdown.

The best approach: if your hardware is weak, think twice about leaving S Mode. If you have decent hardware, you’ll be fine.

Summary

S Mode is a permanent one-way street. You can disable it whenever you want. You can never enable it again without a complete Windows reinstall, which most people can’t do.

Before you disable S Mode, make absolutely sure you need to. Ask yourself: “Do I actually need software that isn’t in the Microsoft Store?” If the answer is yes, then disable it. If you’re not sure, keep S Mode on. You can always disable it later.

The decision doesn’t need to be made today. Think about it for a week. If you still need to leave S Mode, the process is simple and fast.

Just remember: once it’s off, it stays off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft Store versions of apps replace desktop versions?

For many common apps like Office, Zoom, Spotify, and Slack, yes. Microsoft Store has quality versions. For specialized professional software, often no. Accountants, designers, programmers, and engineers frequently need desktop-only tools.

Will I lose my files or programs when leaving S Mode?

No. Your files stay exactly where they are. Your Microsoft Store apps stay installed and working. You simply gain the ability to install additional software. Nothing is removed or lost.

Is S Mode really more secure?

S Mode is more secure because you can’t accidentally download malware from untrusted websites. The Microsoft Store has quality controls. However, once you leave S Mode and use Windows normally, Windows Defender protection remains active. You’re not unprotected. You just have more responsibility.

What if my computer came with S Mode and I disabled it but now I want it back?

Your only realistic option is to buy a new device that ships with S Mode. Attempting a full Windows reinstall requires technical expertise that most people don’t have. The effort and risk aren’t worth it for most users.

Does S Mode affect gaming?

Many games are available in the Microsoft Store. But serious gamers often need desktop games from Steam, Epic, or other sources. S Mode effectively prevents serious gaming. Casual gaming through the Microsoft Store works fine.