I can't get this new laptop out of s mode. I've tried everything. I can't install my programs

[nlaffin]

I have a new HP laptop and can't get it out of s mode.  It fails every time I try to "get" the program from Microsoft store.  I have programs I need to install and I have spent over 3 hours now just trying to get the app to remove this frustratingly stupid feature.  HP Virtual assistant chat is not working and just worthless for help.

Help Please

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @nlaffin 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I hear your frustration, S Mode can be incredibly restrictive, especially when you need to install essential programs. Let’s get you out of it.

Steps to Switch Out of S Mode:

1. Open Settings – Click the Start menu, then select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Activation – Navigate to System > Activation.
3. Find the Switch Out of S Mode Option – Look for a section that says Switch to Windows 11 Home or Switch to Windows 11 Pro.
4. Open Microsoft Store – Clicking the switch option should open the Microsoft Store.
5. Confirm the Switch – Click the Get button to confirm your choice.
6. Wait for the Process to Complete – Once done, you should be able to install apps freely.

If the Microsoft Store fails to process the switch:

• Check your internet connection – A weak connection can cause failures.
• Ensure you’re signed into a Microsoft account – The switch requires an active account.
• Try resetting the Microsoft Store – Open Command Prompt as admin and run:wsreset.exe
• Run Windows Update – Sometimes, pending updates interfere with the process.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[nlaffin · Accepted solution]

Gee. Thanks for nothing!  I’ve only tried that 100 times. Along with every so called solution that could be found over 6 hours of research. Nowhere did this laptop state it couldn’t be taken out of the ridiculous s mode, but it couldn’t. I’ve sent the useless thing back

[nlaffin]

Your support help is worthless 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @nlaffin 

I hear your frustration—being stuck in S Mode when you need full access to your programs is incredibly annoying. Since you’ve already returned the laptop, there’s not much left to troubleshoot, but if you ever run into this issue again, here are some things that might help:

Common Fixes for Stuck S Mode in Windows 11

Use Microsoft Store to Switch Out

• Open Settings → System → Activation.
• Under Switch to Windows 11 Pro, click Go to the Store.
• In the Microsoft Store, click Get to switch out of S Mode.

Check Microsoft Server Status

• Sometimes, Microsoft’s servers prevent switching out of S Mode.
• You can check their status here.

Update Microsoft Store Apps

• Open Microsoft Store → Library → Update All Apps.
• Then, retry switching out of S Mode.

Reset Windows (Last Resort)

• If nothing works, resetting Windows can force the switch.
• Go to Settings → Recovery → Reset this PC.

If you ever need to troubleshoot this again, you might find helpful discussions in this HP Community thread or this Microsoft forum. Hope your next laptop works better for you!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye