Windows 10: Why does the microsoft store not let me switch out of S mode?

I have tried a bunch of different suggestions I've found on here of ways to switch out of S mode but no matter what I do it tells me that "something happened and we couldn't start the upgrade." Then when I'm in the activation section of settings, it says that upgrades can't be run in S mode. So what am I supposed to do if switching off S mode requires an upgrade but I can't upgrade while in S mode? This is very frustrating.

:)

 

Switch Out of S Mode Not Working in Microsoft Store

I finally was able to fix this "Switch Out of S" issue. It is not obvious so I wanted to share.

First, the issue is with the Microsoft Store, not the device. Here are the steps...

• Open the Microsoft Store app
• Click on the "..." at the upper right of the screen
• Choose "Downloads and Updates"
• Scroll down to the Microsoft Store app and click to update

The update downloaded to my new Surface Go.

Then on your device...

• Go to your device's Windows Settings
• Select "Update & Security"
• Select "Activation"
• Select "Switch Out of S" and go to Microsoft Store
• Once there you will be able to make the switch

Talk about painful...

Good luck,

Paulette

 

Switching out of S Mode

I am having trouble switching my laptop out of S Mode. I went through the steps that are listed, and the Windows Store is updated and it won't let me click Get when you go to the screen to switch out of S mode.

 

Can't switch out from Windows 10 S mode

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand your concern as you are unable to switch from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 home/Pro Version. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the error message you are getting?
• Are you using a school/university account to sign in to the Microsoft store
• Are you connected to a domain/organization network?

Windows 10 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode. Switching
out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode. Please refer the below article:

Switching out of S mode in Windows 10

Windows 10 in S mode FAQ

Meanwhile you can perform these steps and check.

Step 1: Try resetting the Microsoft Store and see if that helps.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for ‘Run’
2. In Run dialog box, type ‘wsreset’ and hit enter.

Note:
A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after about ten seconds the window will close and Microsoft Store will open automatically.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: Select the
Start button, and then select Settings>Update & Security
> Troubleshoot, and then from the list select Windows Store apps > Run the troubleshooter.

Step 3: Sign out, and sign in again to the Microsoft Store and check if you are able to Switch out of S mode.

1. Open Microsoft Store, click on the profile icon and select
   Sign out.
2. Now, click on the profile icon again and select
   sign in.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and sign in with the account.

Regards,

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator