S Mode: What Is It & How to Turn on/off It on Windows 11 - MiniTool Partition Wizard (2024)

FAQs

What is S mode Windows 11 turn off? ›

Windows 11 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.

The Disadvantage Of Windows 11 S Mode

While the curated nature of Windows 11 S mode ensures security, it also means that users are restricted to applications available exclusively in the Microsoft Store. Certain specialised or niche applications may not be available, limiting the flexibility of the operating system.

If you have a preferred antivirus software or registry cleaner, you'll need to get out of S Mode before you can install them. If you need to use a printer or connect a mouse, most peripherals that work with regular Windows should work with Windows S Mode.

Switching out of S Mode is a one way operation, it is not possible to re-enable S Mode once the switch is made. If you need to install software that is not available on the Microsoft Store, you do need to switch out of S Mode.

Better performance

Another advantage of S mode is that it runs faster than standard Windows mode. It uses less memory and fewer resources, so it doesn't bog down your system as much as standard Windows mode.

To turn off S Mode, go to Settings > System > Activation. Under "Switch to Windows 11 Pro," click Go to the Store, then click "Get." If you don't have a Microsoft Account, the only way to get rid of S mode is to disable Secure Boot in the UEFI (BIOS).

There's no charge to switch out of S mode, but you won't be able to turn it back on. If you're blocked from switching and your device belongs to an organization, check with your administrator. Your organization can choose to keep all devices in S mode.

Performance can suffer: If your computer is already slow, or it has a Celeron or Pentium processor, switching out of S Mode might cause things to slow down even more.

This is because the built-in security of Windows 10 in S mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device.

In the System Information window, check the value of OS Name. If the value is Microsoft Windows 11 Home in S mode, your PC is running Windows 11 Home in S mode.

Do we need antivirus for Windows 11? ›

The answer is, of course, yes! It can be a good idea to get another antivirus solution because blocking malware and viruses should just be one part of your threat protection. Today's cybercriminals are using elaborate ruses to try to access your personal information, such as your bank and credit card numbers.

Best Answered by. From my point of view, you do not need McAfee with Windows 11. You only need Windows Defender to protect your PC from viruses and malicious software, and use professional backup software to keep your files safe. For many years, Microsoft has been providing antivirus protection for users.

Usually Word and Excel does not come with Windows 11 not unless you have bought a desktop or laptop that has a bundle of Office or Microsoft 365 then that is the time that you will be able to get it.

To increase security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs only apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, 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.

To turn off Microsoftverified apps in Windows 11, follow these steps: First, access the Windows 11 App Settings. Then, navigate to the App Permissions. Finally, disable the Microsoftverified Apps setting.

If you work with sensitive data or files, there's always a possibility of encountering sophisticated malware that might evade built-in defenses. Is antivirus software necessary on Windows 11 devices? Not for general use, but it can come in handy for those with specific security concerns or who handle sensitive data.