- Powering Up and Powering Down
- Finding Your Way Around Windows
- What's New in Windows 10?
- Switching from Windows S Mode to Windows Home
Switching from Windows S Mode to Windows Home
With the April 2018 (1803) update, Microsoft introduced a new version of Windows called Windows S Mode. Windows S Mode is just like regular Windows except it can run only Windows apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Computers running in Windows S Mode cannot use traditional desktop software, such as Adobe Reader and Photoshop Elements.
Microsoft’s stated reason for introducing Windows S Mode is to make Windows-based computers more secure. Apps available in the Microsoft Store are “Microsoft-verified” for security, whereas traditional software apps are not.
The built-in limitations of Windows S Mode make it less than ideal for many computer users, especially those using older software not available in the Microsoft Store. Unfortunately, many (if not most) new computers come with Windows S Mode installed, which limits their functionality. If you just purchased a new PC, chances are that it’s running Windows S Mode by default.
Fortunately, you can quickly and easily switch your version of Windows from Windows S Mode to Windows Home, which does run traditional desktop software. The switch takes just a few minutes of your time, and it’s totally free.
Switch from Windows S Mode to Windows Home
Any computer running Windows S Mode, new or old, can be upgraded to Windows Home for free. (Note, however, that you cannot switch back to Windows S Mode from Windows Home; this is a one-way switch.)
Click the Windows Start button to open the Start menu.
Click Settings to open the Settings tool.
Click Update & Security.
Click to select the Activation tab.
Go to the Switch to Windows 10 Home section, and click Go to the Store. This opens the Microsoft Store app to the appropriate Switch Out of S Mode page.
Click the Get button.
When prompted, click the Install button. Your computer will be switched from Windows S Mode to Windows Home. (It only takes a few seconds, no rebooting required.)