My computer came with windows 11 s mode but it is running windows 11 home. A pc reset doesn't work.

[msgambino]

My laptop is brand new and came with windows 11 s mode but its running windows 11 home. I need to fix this. PC reset doesn't fix it. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @msgambino,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your new laptop originally came with Windows 11 in S mode, but it’s currently running Windows 11 Home, and a PC reset didn’t return it to S mode. Let’s go step by step to understand and resolve this situation.

1. Verify the Current Windows Edition

Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.

Check the exact edition (for example: Windows 11 Home, Home S, Pro, etc.).

Note this down — it’s important to know what edition is installed.

2. Understand S Mode

Windows 11 S Mode is a locked-down version of Windows 11 Home that only allows apps from the Microsoft Store.

Once a device is switched out of S Mode, it cannot be switched back using normal reset or recovery.

If your device was switched out (even by accident or during initial setup), a regular reset won’t return it to S mode.

3. Check Activation & Digital License

Go to Settings > System > Activation.

Look under Activation state and Edition.

If it says “Windows 11 Home activated with a digital license”, it means the system is permanently activated with Home, not S mode.

4. If S Mode Is Still Available

If your device was never switched out of S mode and there’s a configuration issue:

Go to Settings > System > Activation > Switch to S Mode (if available).

Follow the on-screen instructions.

If the option is missing, that means the device is no longer eligible for S mode without reinstalling the original factory image.

5. If the Device Was Switched Out of S Mode

To return to the original S Mode, you’ll need to reinstall the factory image provided by the laptop’s manufacturer.

This is not the same as a regular Windows reset.

Visit the manufacturer’s support site (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.) and look for:

Recovery media or Cloud recovery tool for your exact model.

Instructions to create a bootable recovery USB to reinstall the factory OS.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,