This limitation is imposed by Microsoft on a special version of Windows, also known as S Mode.
Thankfully, you’ve got the option to opt out of it very easily.
Then your PC should run third-party apps just like any other Windows computer.
This article will show you how to do that for both Windows 10 and 11.
So, lets get started.
What is S Mode on Windows?
S Mode debuted with the release of Surface Go 3, running Windows 10.
This is basically a full-fledged installation of Windows with some limitations baked in.
Windows S Mode can only run apps from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft had two reasons to do this.
Firstly, they want you to use their own apps.
Security and performance is the second reason.
As third-party apps cannot run, your system remains safe from malicious apps.
Microsoft blocks whenever you run any apps from outside its app store.
Most apps from Microsoft Store are light and consume fewer resources.
Maybe thats what prompted them to claim that S Mode makes your system snappy.
After all, if you do not run any resource-intensive programs, your system should be fast, right?
Even with all advantages considered, I do not think S Mode is not for me.
Without third-party app support, my PC would be just a Chromebook.
Another method involves tweaking registry entries to achieve the same result.
Lets look at both.
Alternatively, you’re free to open this directly from inside Windows prefs.
Both methods take you to the same app.
Now the next steps are the same for both versions of Windows.
it’s possible for you to verify this by going toSystem>About.
Under the Version, you should see Windows 10 or 11 with the Pro/Home edition listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Ok to switch out of S Mode?
Yes, it is totally okay to switch from S Mode.
That way, you’ve got the option to run applications even outside of Microsoft Store.
Does switching out of S Mode slow down the PC?
No, the switch to the regular version of Windows will not slow down your PC.
But if you run applications requiring more computing power than your PC, then your PC will slow down.
It took me literally 2 minutes to make this switch.
Its just that the process will take a bit longer.
Thats all for today.
And its time to say farewell.
