On many laptops, specifically newer Windows 11 devices, disabling the feature in your BIOS/UEFI settings can force Windows out of S Mode.
To remove S Mode from Windows without a Microsoft account, you must bypass the standard Microsoft Store process, which normally requires a login. While Microsoft officially suggests using the Store, technical workarounds involving BIOS/UEFI settings or registry edits allow you to switch out of S Mode while maintaining a local account. Method 1: The BIOS/UEFI Workaround (Simplest)
: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt . Open Registry Editor : Type regedit and press Enter . Load System Hive : Highlight HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE . Go to File > Load Hive .
: Hold the Shift key while selecting Restart from the Power menu. remove s mode without microsoft account
If the registry or BIOS methods fail, the most reliable "clean" way to remove S Mode is to perform a fresh installation of Windows using a Microsoft Installation Media created on another PC.
Microsoft should allow local admin accounts to remove S mode without jumping through hoops. Until then, either accept a temporary Microsoft account login or prepare for a full reinstall.
If the BIOS method does not work, you can manually edit the system registry through the Command Prompt in recovery mode. This process modifies the SkuPolicyRequired value which dictates S Mode status. On many laptops, specifically newer Windows 11 devices,
creating a bootable USB to perform a clean install? AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses Copy Creating a public link... You can now share this thread with others Good response Bad response 5 sites Switch Out of Windows 10 or 11 S-Mode without a Microsoft Account Switch Out of Windows 10 or 11 S-Mode without a Microsoft Account * On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Updat... Troy University Switching out of S mode in Windows - Microsoft Support To switch out of S mode, click here to open the Microsoft Store to the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page. On the Switch out o... Microsoft Support [Windows 11/10] Introduction - Windows S mode & related FAQ Jun 2, 2025 —
: Restart your PC and enter the UEFI/BIOS settings (often by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup).
If you are setting up a new computer and want to avoid signing in initially (to create a local user first), you can bypass the network requirement. Note that you will still need to eventually sign in to the Microsoft Store to disable S Mode. Method 1: The BIOS/UEFI Workaround (Simplest) : Navigate
Close all windows and restart your PC. S Mode should now be disabled.
It is important to clarify the reality of this situation before providing a guide.
: Find the Secure Boot option (usually under the "Boot" or "Security" tabs) and set it to Disabled .
This method involves editing the system's "offline" registry while in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This bypasses the S Mode restriction that normally blocks access to the Registry Editor.