Got a new laptop with Windows 11 in S Mode? Let’s break down what that means (and how to switch it off if it’s not for you)

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If you’ve gotten or gifted a new Windows 11 laptop to someone this holiday season, there’s a chance that it has Windows 11 in S mode preinstalled. In this article, we’ll dive into what S mode is, why you might want to keep it on, and how to switch it off if you decide that you don’t.

S mode was designed by Microsoft to be especially secure and efficient, only allowing you to install apps from the Microsoft Store. Simply, if you want to install an app that comes from elsewhere (like one you might download from the internet), you’ll want to switch out of S mode. This limits the chances of you (or whoever is using the Windows 11 PC) installing an app that could bring unwanted additions like malware.

Most people would recommend keeping S mode on if you plan on having the PC be used by a child or a less tech-savvy relative as they’ll be prohibited from installing apps that aren’t verified by Microsoft and hosted on the Microsoft Store. These devices will also still have Windows Defender, Microsoft’s security suite, and Windows Hello, which allows you to log into Windows 11 and into apps on it with facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a PIN.

You can also expect a streamlined, snappy experience as S mode requires less memory and fewer system resources, as explained by Essential Tech.

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Melnikov Dmitriy)

Why you might not want to use Windows 11 S mode

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