How do I switch out of S mode
May 21, 2018 5:29 PM Subscribe
I have a new laptop. It came with Windows 10S. I would like to turn off S mode. Everything I've read tells me how simple it is, but they're lying. How do I do this? Things I have tried are as follows:
I have followed the official Microsoft guidelines to go to the Store, search for "Switch off S mode" and follow the instructions. Doing this results in a page that says, "To learn more, click here" but the click through page cannot be found.
Others online have suggested trying to download a "forbidden" app, which should kick me into an option that allows me to switch off S mode. I've tried to download the Kindle app, but the download simply fails, and gives me no reason.
Everything else out there just repeats the same "Oh, it's easy!" or "Oh, it's free to turn it off" but doesn't actually give me any concrete instructions.
Is there any way of doing this that doesn't involve buying Windows 10 again?
I have followed the official Microsoft guidelines to go to the Store, search for "Switch off S mode" and follow the instructions. Doing this results in a page that says, "To learn more, click here" but the click through page cannot be found.
Others online have suggested trying to download a "forbidden" app, which should kick me into an option that allows me to switch off S mode. I've tried to download the Kindle app, but the download simply fails, and gives me no reason.
Everything else out there just repeats the same "Oh, it's easy!" or "Oh, it's free to turn it off" but doesn't actually give me any concrete instructions.
Is there any way of doing this that doesn't involve buying Windows 10 again?
Response by poster: Unfortunately, the Change product key option doesn't match the article which has "Change Product Key or Upgrade to Windows 10". If I follow the link to the store, it gives me the option to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for $169.
posted by ninazer0 at 7:28 PM on May 21, 2018
posted by ninazer0 at 7:28 PM on May 21, 2018
Best answer: Are you sure what you're running is actually the full Windows 10 in S mode, as opposed to the earlier Windows 10 S release that was supposed to be its own whole thing?
I believe Windows 10 in S Mode has superseded Windows 10 S, but I haven't a clue whether Windows 10 S will auto-update to Windows 10 in S Mode. If you haven't already forced your new laptop to apply all available Windows updates, it might be worth a try.
However, given what I've seen MS get away with charging in the past, I would not be at all surprised to find that the US$50 they were originally proposing to charge for upgrading Windows 10 S to a "full" Windows 10 somehow magically blows out to AU$169 in Australia.
Is there any way of doing this that doesn't involve buying Windows 10 again?
Mint is free.
posted by flabdablet at 7:57 PM on May 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
I believe Windows 10 in S Mode has superseded Windows 10 S, but I haven't a clue whether Windows 10 S will auto-update to Windows 10 in S Mode. If you haven't already forced your new laptop to apply all available Windows updates, it might be worth a try.
However, given what I've seen MS get away with charging in the past, I would not be at all surprised to find that the US$50 they were originally proposing to charge for upgrading Windows 10 S to a "full" Windows 10 somehow magically blows out to AU$169 in Australia.
Is there any way of doing this that doesn't involve buying Windows 10 again?
Mint is free.
posted by flabdablet at 7:57 PM on May 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Flabdablet - you've got it! What I have was in fact Windows 10 Home in S mode which I've managed to turn off. Arrgh - everything about this has been so frustrating! Thank you! My next question will probably be about dealing with tech-related blood pressure issues!
posted by ninazer0 at 4:30 PM on May 22, 2018
posted by ninazer0 at 4:30 PM on May 22, 2018
Glad you got a result. How would you feel about posting a quick note here that says exactly how you went about turning S Mode off, for the benefit of others who find their way here via search?
posted by flabdablet at 10:17 AM on May 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by flabdablet at 10:17 AM on May 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
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posted by theora55 at 6:17 PM on May 21, 2018