Windows 11 in S mode is a version of Windows 11 that’s streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. To increase security, it allows only apps from Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing. Some devices come preinstalled with Windows 11 Home in S mode by the original equipment manufacturer. The upgrade rollout for Windows 11 begins in October and will continue into Specific timing will vary by device.

After the upgrade has been tested and validated for your specific PC, Windows Update will indicate that it’s ready for installation.

If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it. Windows 11 in S mode is only available in the Windows 11 Home edition. If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10 in S mode, you will need to permanently switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows To increase security and performance, Windows 11 in S mode runs only apps from Microsoft Store.

If you want to install an app that isn’t available in 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.

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. 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.

Open Microsoft Store. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you switch out of S mode, you’ll need to keep using the standard version of Windows You can download and install apps from Microsoft Store in Windows. To find Microsoft Store apps, you must be in Windows To discover which apps are available for your device, select Microsoft Store on the taskbar. If you don’t see the Microsoft Store icon on the taskbar, select Start , type Microsoft Store , then select it in the list of results to open the Store.

Apps you bought from Microsoft Store are linked to your Microsoft account. In most cases, if you install an app from Microsoft Store on another Windows 11 PC, you should be able to install it on your PC with Windows 11 in S mode if you sign in with the same Microsoft account. Unless you switch out of S mode, you’ll only be able to use apps from Microsoft Store on your device. There are important limitations regarding apps and switching out of S mode on Windows 11 Snapdragon devices.

Domain join is not available in Windows 11 Home in S mode. When you’re using Windows 11 in S mode, Microsoft Edge is always the default web browser, and Bing is the default search engine. But you can access other browsers and search engines while in S mode. You can download any browser available in Microsoft Store in Windows, and you can navigate to any other search engine website. If you want to download a browser or any other application that’s not in Microsoft Store, you’ll need to permanently switch out of S mode.

After you switch, you can then set your default browser and search engine to the one you choose, but you won’t be able to return to S mode again. Yes, we recommend all Windows devices use antivirus software.

Currently, the only antivirus software known to be compatible with Windows 11 in S mode is the version that comes with it: Windows Defender Security Center. Windows Defender Security Center delivers a robust suite of security features that help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 11 device.

For more info, see Windows security. Also note that by exclusively using apps from Microsoft Store and browsing safely with Microsoft Edge, Windows 11 in S mode keeps you running more quickly and securely day in and day out. If you want to use another antivirus software provider, you can ask if they offer a product that runs on a Windows 11 device in S mode.

Many hardware accessories and peripherals such as printers that work with Windows 11 Home also work with Windows 11 in S mode, though sometimes they only offer limited functionality. For additional info, see Windows 10 in S mode accessory compatibility or contact your accessory manufacturer. Always be connected to the internet. With a cellular data connection, you can be online wherever you get a cellular signal—just like with your mobile phone.

Free you from outlets with a battery life that goes beyond all-day. You’ll use less power than you would with other PCs, so you can go through a typical work or school day without running out of battery or worrying about finding an outlet to plug into. If you want to use the PC for something more fun, you can enjoy up to 20 or more hours of local video playback between battery charges.

Turn on instantly. When you take out your PC and turn it back on, it turns on instantly. Whenever you have a few minutes in between classes, meetings, or other activities, you can get things done without waiting for your PC to start up. Whether you’re running Windows 11 in S mode or not, there are some limitations when you run a PC on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor:.

Drivers for hardware, games and apps will only work if they’re designed for a Windows 11 PC running on a Snapdragon processor. For more info, check with the hardware manufacturer or the organization that developed the driver. Drivers are software programs that communicate with hardware devices—they’re commonly used for antivirus and antimalware software, printing or PDF software, assistive technologies, CD and DVD utilities, and virtualization software.

Whether you’re in S mode or not, peripherals and devices only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows. Games and apps won’t work if they use a version of OpenGL greater than 1.

You can check with your game publisher to see if a game will work. Apps that customize the Windows experience might have problems. This includes some input method editors IMEs , assistive technologies, and cloud storage apps. The organization that develops the app determines whether their app will work on a Windows 11 PC running on a Snapdragon processor.

You won’t be able to install third-party antivirus software on any edition of Windows 11 running on a Snapdragon processor. However, Windows Defender Security Center will help keep you safe for the supported lifetime of your Windows 11 device.

Windows 11 in S mode provides built-in accessibility features that help you do more on your device. You can check Microsoft Store to see if your preferred assistive technology apps are available for a PC running in S mode.

If they aren’t available, you can permanently switch out of S mode to use non-Microsoft Store apps. You may want to check with the vendor to find out if their application is compatible with Windows 11 running on a Snapdragon processor.

Not all assistive technology apps work as expected, even if you switch out of S mode. For more info, visit the NV Access website. Note: Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won’t be able to go back to S mode.

To learn more, see How do I switch out of S mode? If you make this switch, it’s permanent. Also, even if you aren’t in S mode, peripherals and devices will only work if the drivers they depend on are built into Windows It’s a good idea to check whether the hardware developer has published a version of the driver that runs on a Windows 11 device with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

Note that switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won’t be able to go back to S mode on that device. For more info, see How do I switch out of S mode? Every Windows 11 PC running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor can connect to a cellular data network, whether or not it’s S mode enabled.

This lets you get online wherever you have a cellular signal. You’ll need a data plan and a SIM card from your mobile operator. To learn how to get connected after that, see Cellular settings in Windows. To see if your device will work, check the hardware manufacturer’s website or your mobile operator’s website. You can also buy prepaid cellular data plans through Microsoft Store. For more information about how to buy a plan, see Add your Windows PC to your mobile account to get online.

Windows 11 in S mode only works with compatible apps from Microsoft Store. Most apps in Microsoft Store work the same for devices whether they’re in S mode or not. Many hardware accessories and peripherals such as printers that work with Windows 11 will also work with Windows 11 in S mode, but might have limited functionality.

See Windows 10 in S mode Accessory Compatibility for more info on Microsoft hardware accessories, and for links to contact third parties if you have questions about using their accessories with Windows 11 in S mode.

If you don’t find information on a specific model, check with your accessory manufacturer. If you try to use an app that’s not in Microsoft Store, you’ll get a reminder that the app isn’t an option when you’re using Windows 11 in S mode.

We’ll often suggest a category of similar apps or a specific app that’s already available in Microsoft Store. If you still want to download an application that’s not in Microsoft Store or has compatibility issues, you can switch out of S mode, but you won’t be able to switch back again. The number of compatible apps and devices will continue to grow. For the most up-to-date information, you can always check back at this website, at Microsoft Store in Windows, or with the hardware or software manufacturer.

If you absolutely need to use an app or device that’s not compatible, it’s easy to switch out of S mode—you just won’t be able to switch back. Windows provides a number of built-in accessibility features to help you do more. If you need to use assistive technology apps that aren’t available through Microsoft Store, and aren’t downloadable on a Windows 11 device in S mode, you’ll need to switch out of S mode and you won’t be able to switch back.

Windows 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 10 that’s streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience.

 
 

 

Windows 10 home windows features free. Features and functionality removed in Windows client

 

Find the right fit for your needs. Check out our list of product offerings to see which Windows 10 version checks all of your boxes. Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices, and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers. Expand All Collapse All. Using facial recognition, a fingerprint, or PIN, Windows Hello is a fast, secure, and password-free way to unlock your compatible Windows devices.

Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it. If you turn on device encryption, only authorized individuals will be able to access your device and data. Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.

Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.

If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. WIP helps to protect against potential data leakage without otherwise interfering with the employee experience. WIP also helps to protect enterprise apps and data against accidental data leaks on enterprise-owned devices and personal devices that employees bring to work, without requiring changes to your environment or other apps.

Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning, and behavior analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats. Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost. Take notes, navigate, draw, doodle, edit, and create. Improve what you do with a digital pen. Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows All you have to do is ask Cortana.

Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications. Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer. Get information and reminders or listen to music and manage your emails and calendar. Built-in security, productivity, and management features save you time, money, and hassle. Windows 10 mobile device management MDM provides an alternative to traditional PC management processes: you can transition to cloud based management at your own pace. Manage PCs, user accounts, and groups, and get easy access to files and printers when you pair Windows 10 Pro with Windows Server.

Your one place to find, manage, and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices in volume. With Assigned Access, Windows 10 Pro devices run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured.

With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organization device, with minimal time and effort. Windows Update for Business can help businesses reduce management costs, provide control over update deployments, enable more efficient delivery of updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft.

Configure a device in kiosk mode in a very simple way. You can do this locally on the device or remotely using Mobile Device Management. The shared logon works on PCs, tablets, and phones with minimal IT involvement. Edit photos and spice up presentations. Windows 10 has the apps you need to get in touch with your creative side. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with a Microsoft subscription. Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen.

And on new Windows 10 touchscreen computers, you can zoom, scroll, and sign documents with the touch of a finger. The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories. Use Sticky Notes and type, ink, or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments, and more—so you don’t miss a thing! Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle. Scroll through time to find documents and websites.

Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint. Windows 10 features are best experienced on a modern PC. Find out if your current PC is ready for Windows 10 by answering just a few questions.

Review this doc for more details on Device Encryption. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required.

Pen accessory may be sold separately. Chrome 69 and Firefox Go here for more details on this performance claim. Go here for more details on this battery life claim. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their Android phone and follow the setup prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft Account across mobile apps and Windows 10 PC.

Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their iPhone and follow the setup prompts. Available on limited select devices supporting far-field capabilities. Connect email accounts in the Cortana Notebook; works with Outlook. Microsoft requires a subscription. Functionality and apps may vary by market and device.

To see up to 30 days of activities, users must choose this option in settings. Available in select markets. Functionality may vary by device. Requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.

Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro Find the right fit for your needs. Windows Security Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices, and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers.

Device encryption Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it. Firewall and network protection Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.

Secure Boot Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process. BitLocker device encryption If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. Windows Defender Antivirus Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning, and behavior analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats.

Windows Fundamentals Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost. Microsoft Edge Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows Cortana All you have to do is ask Cortana. Battery saver mode Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications.

Voice Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer. Business Management and Deployment Built-in security, productivity, and management features save you time, money, and hassle. Business—Management and Deployment Feature Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro Mobile device management Windows 10 mobile device management MDM provides an alternative to traditional PC management processes: you can transition to cloud based management at your own pace.

Microsoft Store for Business Your one place to find, manage, and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices in volume. Assigned Access With Assigned Access, Windows 10 Pro devices run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured.

Dynamic Provisioning With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organization device, with minimal time and effort. Windows Update for Business Windows Update for Business can help businesses reduce management costs, provide control over update deployments, enable more efficient delivery of updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft.

Kiosk mode setup Configure a device in kiosk mode in a very simple way. Go ahead, get creative Edit photos and spice up presentations. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with a Microsoft subscription. Digital pen and touch Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen. Photos The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories.

Learn more. Quickly capture your thoughts, tasks, and reminders Use Sticky Notes and type, ink, or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments, and more—so you don’t miss a thing! More efficiencies, less energy Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle. Timeline Scroll through time to find documents and websites.

Voice, pen, and touch Interact with your Windows 10 computer in new ways. Windows Hello Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint. Gaming Windows 10 is built for the games you love. Is your computer ready for Windows 10? Get Windows 10 Speed, security, durability, and great design—you really can have it all. Share this page Share this page on Facebook Share this page on Twitter.