How to Fix Unable to Switch Out of S Mode on Windows 11

Unable to switch out of S mode on Windows 11 and don’t know what to do?

Windows 11 is known for its intense security features and faster performance. To achieve this, Microsoft has embedded several features, one of which includes the S mode. This security feature allows only the Microsoft Store apps to be installed on your computer and Edge to run as the default browser. 

The system will automatically prevent third-party applications from being installed, let alone running on your computer. However, there are instances where you can’t rely on Microsoft Store apps entirely, and you will need to refer to third-party applications. Fortunately, you can exit the S mode but keep in mind there’s no going back once it’s done.

Though the process only requires a few quick steps, it isn’t always as smooth and straightforward. This is why we bring you this guide to provide you with some troubleshooting methods in case you’re unable to switch out of S mode on Windows 11.

So without any delay, let’s get straight to it!

1. Wait It Out.

Since this feature involves a stable connection with the Microsoft servers, switching out of it will require these servers to accept your request after verifying the essential details.

So, your first step should be to check the Microsoft server status. If they’re down due to any issue, you will get the ‘try again later’ error. When that’s the case, there’s nothing you can really do except wait for the servers to go back up officially.

2. Use Microsoft Store Page Link.

One way to switch out of S mode on Windows 11 is by using the following link. Clicking on it will direct you to the Microsoft Store Switch out of S mode page. From there, select the Get button and follow the on-screen prompts to fix the issue. 

ms-windows-store://switchwindows

3. Restart Windows Update Service.

You might have difficulty leaving the S mode on your computer if any Windows services, like Windows Update, are not running in the background. This service is associated with installing updates for Windows and its applications. Restarting it should help refresh the service and fix any related issues. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by pressing the Win + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type in ‘services.msc’ in the text field and click on OK. 
3. A Services window will appear. Now, look for wuauserv in the list, right-click on it, and choose Restart.  

Once done, check if you’re able to switch out of the S mode now. If not, move to the next method. 

4. Clear Microsoft Store Cache.

There’s also a possibility that the cache storage for Microsoft Store became full or the cache files have become damaged. In this situation, your best bet is to clear the cache, or the associated services and apps will be affected. It could also be the reason you are unable to exit S mode on Windows 11.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R keys from your keyboard. 
2. Next, enter ‘wsreset.exe’ in the search bar and click on OK. 

3. This will open the Command Prompt from where your command will be executed.
4. Once the Microsoft Store app cache is deleted, it will open automatically. 
5. Finally, use the Microsoft Store page link provided above to exit out of S mode in Windows 11. 
   
   

5. Repair Or Reset Microsoft Store App.

If clearing the Microsoft Store cache didn’t help resolve the problem, there might be a serious bug in the Microsoft Store itself. It’s also possible that the app has become corrupted, preventing you from exiting the S mode on Windows 11.

If that’s the case, you could repair or reset the Microsoft Store app by following the steps below:

1. Start by launching Windows Settings on your PC by pressing Win + i keys.
   Alternatively, head to the Start menu and click on Settings from there. 

2. Once in Settings, select Apps from the left pane. 
3. Next, click on Apps & features from the right side.

4. You may use the search bar at the top and type in ‘Microsoft Store’ or scroll down to find Microsoft Store from the list. 
5. After that, select the three horizontal dots next to it and choose Advanced options. 

6. Now, scroll down, and from the Reset section, click on the Repair button. This option will try to repair the Microsoft Store app so that you can exit S mode. 

7. If you’re still unable to switch out of S mode on Windows 11 after repairing, click on the Reset button to bring the app back to its default settings. 

Note that this method will delete all app data, cache files, and login information from the computer. Hence, we only recommend you follow this method if you remember your account credentials.

6. Create a New User Account.

Your currently signed user account may be experiencing a glitch, rendering you unable to switch out of S mode on Windows 11. A quick workaround is to create another user account and see if that resolves the issue.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Press the Win + i keys to open Settings. 
2. From the left pane, click on Accounts. 
3. Now, select Other users from the right pane. 

4. Finally, choose the Add account button and follow the on-screen instructions to create another user. 

After you’re done, logging in and switching out of S mode shouldn’t be a problem.

7. Disable Proxy.

Proxies and VPNs are known to interfere with many default programs and services and impact their functionality. For this reason, we recommend you disable the proxy and see if that helps you exit the S mode on your computer.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Launch the Run dialog by pressing Win + R keys from your keyboard. 
2. Type in ‘ms-settings:network-proxy’ in the search bar and click on OK to open Proxy settings. 
3. From the Automatic proxy setup section, turn off the toggle for Automatically detect settings. 

Now, check if you’re able to exit S mode on Windows 11. 

8. Change Your Network’s DNS.

Misconfigured Network’s DNS settings have reportedly prevented many users from switching out of S mode on Windows 11. If you’ve been unable to fix this issue till now, this could also be the cause for you.

Take help from the steps below to change your Network’s DNS settings:

1. First off, right click on your Network icon on the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet settings.
2. From the next window, go to the Change adapter settings link from the left pane.

3. A Network Connections folder will appear. From there, right-click on your network connection and select Properties. 

4. Once in Properties, look for Internet Protocol Version 4 and click on it. 
5. Afterward, click on the Properties button. 

6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and type in ‘8.8.8.8’ for the Prefered DNS server. 
7. Then, type in ‘8.8.4.4’ for the Alternate DNS server. 
8. Finally, click on OK to apply these changes. 

Try switching out of S mode to see if this method works. 

9. Reset Network Settings.

If the previous method was of no use, you might have to reset the network settings as your last resort. This will only refresh the network-related services and bring the associated settings back to default. You will not experience any data loss, so its backup is not required.

Below are the steps you need to follow

1. Start by going to Settings by pressing Win + i keys. 
2. Navigate to the Network & internet tab from the left pane. 
3. Now, scroll down and choose Advanced network settings. 

4. Click on Network Reset. 

5. Finally, select the Reset now button and select Yes from the prompt that follows. 

Once done, check if you can get out of S mode on Windows 11. 

This concludes our guide on how to fix unable to switch out of S mode on Windows 11. If you have further queries, use the comment section below. We’ll be more than happy to provide assistance. 

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