How to Switch out of S Mode on Windows 10
While switching out of S Mode previously meant upgrading to an entirely different version of Windows, Microsoft has more recently made it possible to change out of S mode entirely with just a few clicks or taps.
What to Do After Switching out of Windows 10 S Mode
The process of switching out of S Mode only takes a few seconds and you don’t need to reboot your system for it to take effect. Once it’s completed installation, you should have free reign of your Windows 10 PC to install just about anything you like. Be wary though. If you’re not used to the freedoms offered by an unrestricted Windows installation, make sure you have your security steps in mind. Use a popular, updated web browser, and make sure important protective measures like Windows Defender and a strong antivirus software client are installed and running.
What is Windows 10 S Mode?
Windows 10 S was once a standalone version in much the same way as Windows 10 Home and Pro, but has since been incorporated into the main body of Windows as an alternative mode. S Mode acts a little like mobile operating systems, restricting you to approved applications through the Microsoft Store. This provides some measure of security, in that you know you can’t install applications that might cause problems for the platform, and it makes it far harder for nefarious software and malware to run without you knowing. Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, however, are limited when compared to the wide software catalog available outside of S-mode. So some people like to turn it off and remove any barriers to the software they want to use.
