When you buy a less powerful tablet, computer or laptop, there is a chance that you will have to deal with Windows 11 S Mode. With this mode, Microsoft limits which apps you download and install, aiming to keep you safe from rogue applications. But what if you just want to install any program you want?
With a normal version of Windows 11 (or Windows 10), you install any program you download. They don’t have to come from the Microsoft Store, as is the case with S Mode. If you do download an app outside the Microsoft Store, you will receive a message that this is not possible – and you will see a small button for text and an explanation of how to do it. When you press that button, you will be taken to a special page within the Store, where Microsoft explains that it is better to stay in S Mode for your own safety. You will also encounter the S Mode on devices that children use a lot, in addition to the less powerful devices.
Keep in mind that certain programs and video games are not in the Microsoft Store. Consider, for example, a number of new games from specific game publishers. Although Microsoft puts a lot of effort into maintaining the Microsoft Store and hopes that many companies will release their apps and games in it, it is not always the case that you will find what you are looking for in the digital store. In some cases it is therefore necessary to perform the upgrade via the mentioned page.
Getting out of Windows 11 S Mode
On the opened page you will find the options for exiting Windows 11 S Mode. You can easily upgrade from S Mode to Windows 11 Home Edition. Microsoft warns against the one-way street: after upgrading, you won’t easily return to S Mode. In the large banner at the top of the screen there is a blue button with which you start the update process. Click on that and wait a while until Windows 11 is ready. You may think this will take a few minutes to hours, but the update process is completed in seconds. You probably don’t even need to restart your computer or tablet. Within a few moments you will receive a notification that the upgrade was successful and that you can use Windows 11 Home – and therefore download and install apps outside the Store.
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