i cant download apps

[angelizalvarado]

okay, i bought this laptop not even 5 days ago and i cant download apps. i dont know if its because the email i used was my apple id (evn thought my apple id is a google email) or is it because its new. i didnt even had this problem with my old school laptop which was really limited to certain things. i also did a troubledshoting did a reset updated my laptop and i honestly dont know if i should just ask for a refound and get another laptop. Btw i bought this with my own money since im a freshman in college. Please, if someone can help me before i change it in 27 days i would appreciate it so much. thanks

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @angelizalvarado 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying it all out—you're clearly trying everything you can, and I can imagine how frustrating this must be, especially after investing your own money as a college freshman. 

Let’s get you sorted out quickly.

 

Most likely cause: Windows in S Mode

Many new HP laptops ship with Windows 11 in S Mode, which only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. If you try to download apps from websites (like Zoom, Chrome, etc.), you’ll get blocked with messages like “This app isn’t a Microsoft-verified app.”

 

How to check and switch out of S Mode:

1. Go to Settings → System → About
2. Scroll down to Windows specifications
3. If it says Windows 11 Home in S Mode, that’s the issue.
4. To switch out:
   • Go to Settings → System → Activation
   • Under Switch to Windows 11 Home, click Go to the Store
   • In the Microsoft Store, click Get under “Switch out of S Mode”

Once you switch out of S Mode, you can’t go back unless you reset the laptop to factory settings.

 

About your Apple ID confusion

Using a Google email as your Apple ID won’t affect your Windows laptop. Apple IDs are only relevant for Apple services (App Store, iCloud, etc.). On a Windows laptop, your Microsoft account is what matters for app downloads and system access.

 

If you’ve already switched out of S Mode and still can’t download:

Let’s check a few more things:

• Are you signed into the Microsoft Store? Open the Store app and make sure you’re signed in with a Microsoft account.
• Try downloading a known app like Chrome or Zoom from their official websites.
• Check for parental controls or restrictions under Settings → Accounts → Family & other users

If you switch out of S Mode and still face problems, I can walk you through deeper troubleshooting.

Let me know what you see under “Windows specifications” and we’ll take the next step together.

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