What’s Windows 10 in S mode and how to switch out of S mode?

To increase security and performance, Microsoft provides Windows 10 in S mode running only apps from the Microsoft Store.

If you want to install an app that isn’t available in the Microsoft Store, or you have a problem to install 3rd party software, you may want to 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 switch out of S mode, please follow these steps:

1. On Surface, open Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation.
2. Find the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, click Go to the Store link.
3. On the page that appears in the Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), click the Get button and confirm the action. Now, you should be able to install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.