Overview
The Blinn College IT department has encountered issues with devices running Windows in S mode. In short, S mode prevents the following:
- Downloading and installing the Chrome browser.
- Setting Chrome as the default browser.
- Installing Honorlock.
- Downloading the profile for Eduroam.
Step by Step Guide
Per the Microsoft Support Site: to increase security and performance, Windows 11 in S mode only runs apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, or if you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education and want to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll need to permanently switch out of S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode, but you won't be able to turn it back on.
Switching out of S mode in Windows 10:
-
On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
-
Find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.
Note: Don't select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That's a different process that will keep you in S mode.
-
On the page that appears in Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside Microsoft Store.
Switching out of S mode in Windows 11:
-
On your PC running Windows 11 in S mode, open Settings > System > Activation.
-
Find the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.
Note: Don't select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That's a different process that will keep you in S mode.
-
On the page that appears in Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside Microsoft Store.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Call the IT Help Desk at 979-830-4357 (HELP) or contact the IT Help Desk Chat Line.