What is Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 in S mode?

(Pocket-lint) – When Microsoft announced the original version of the Surface Laptop, it was running a new version of the Windows 10 operating system called Windows 10 S.

The 2018 Surface Laptop 2 didn’t have it, but other newer PCs do, especially ARM-powered systems – but what is it?

Now called Windows 10 (or Windows 11) in S mode, it can be difficult to tell if you have it or not.

The bottom line is that when using Windows 10 in S mode, you probably won’t know that there is a difference to Windows 10 Pro other than the different wallpapers. It looks the same and works the same in most cases.

What is Windows 10 or 11 in S mode?

Windows 10 or Windows 11 in S mode is described as a fully functional version of Windows designed to work well on all hardware and increase security by allowing you to run only certain applications.

These things include things like faster connection, better battery life, and easy management across a large number of devices. During its initial launch, Microsoft demonstrated that a new user signing in to Windows 10 S can access the PC faster than a standard Windows 10 Pro PC.

You can only run verified apps from the Windows Store

The big problem with Windows 10 in S mode is that it is designed to run only verified apps from the Windows Store. You will not be able to download and install online applications; this version is effectively sandboxed. This does not change with Windows 11 in S mode.

This is a big drawback for many users, but Windows in S mode is for education or environments where you don’t want users to install their own apps.

This means it’s potentially more secure, but it also means Microsoft knows exactly what software it’s going to be dealing with and should mean power demands can be accommodated, without a rambling malicious application left in the background. to consume energy and monopolize resources.

If a person using Windows 10 S tries to install an application from outside the Windows Store, it will be stopped, but you will then be offered an alternative from the Windows Store, therefore verified by Microsoft.

There are also no hardware restrictions on Windows 10 S, as it is designed to work on a full range of devices. Microsoft is working on compatibility with a wide range of accessories and third-party devices as you will need to have drivers signed by Microsoft to be able to use them with Windows 10 S.

Which devices will run Windows 10 in S mode

Intel PCs for education or business can be supplied in S mode. An entire group of devices that have S mode enabled is if they are based on ARM processors. Currently, that means PCs that run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform as well as the Microsoft SQ1 chip.

This is because ARM processors are not compatible with programs written for Intel or AMD processors. They will, however, run universal apps from the Windows Store.

Can you exit Windows in S mode?

Yes you can. You can upgrade Windows 10 S device to Windows 10 Pro with just a few clicks and an update. This will remove the restriction on app installations so that you can use it like any other Windows 10 Pro PC.

Exiting a device from Mode S requires internet connectivity, as you need to access the Microsoft Store. If you exit S mode, you will not be able to return to S mode later.

1. Go to settings
2. Click on Privacy and Security
3. Click on Activation on the left
4. You will see an option to upgrade to Windows 10/11 Home / Pro depending on what you are already using. Click the Go to Store button. (Note: do not click Go to Store under Upgrade your edition of Windows)
5. On the Microsoft Store page, click Get, then click Install when prompted, and follow the steps.

Are there any changes for Windows 11 in S mode?

There is one key change and that is that S mode is only supported on Windows 11 Home and not Windows 11 Pro. So if you are upgrading Windows 10 Pro in S mode to Windows 11, you will need to exit S mode first.

Written by Chris Hall and Dan Grabham. Originally published on May 2, 2017.