The Microsoft Surface Go comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home in S mode (formerly known as Windows 10 S). This mode locks installation of apps only from the Microsoft Store versus downloading potentially dangerous .exe apps via a web browser.
Long-term, Windows 10 in S mode is supposed to deliver a better experience as apps from the Microsoft Store won't damage or slow down your Surface Go over time. Nonetheless, sometimes you just need that one app and it's not in the Store or you hit some other known limitations of the special mode.
Luckily, switching out of Windows 10 in S mode is super easy. The whole process won't take you more than a minute and you don't even need to restart your Surface Go. Here's how to do it.
How to switch Windows 10 Home in S mode to Windows 10 Home
A word of caution: If you do switch Windows 10 in S mode to just Windows 10 Home the process is one way. There is no easy way to roll back or undo the change. You can reinstall a factory image of the OS from Microsoft, but that requires a USB drive, some patience, and a few more steps (plus you lose all your data).
Additionally, if you switch from Windows 10 Home in S mode to just Windows 10 Home you can buy a Windows 10 Pro license through the Microsoft Store and upgrade to Pro after for $99.
Switching from Windows 10 S mode though is free to just Windows 10 Home.
To initiate the switching process:
Press the Start button located at the bottom left of your screen.
Select the Settings icon, located just above the power icon on the Start menu.
Select Update & Security in the Settings app.
Select Activation, and then select Go to Store.
Select the Get option.
Then hit Install when ready to proceed.
The process to switch out of S mode is seconds (maybe about five to be exact). You do not need to restart the PC for it to take effect. You can just continue on and start installing .exe apps now in addition to apps from the Microsoft Store.
And that's it. While Windows 10 in S mode is built for security and performance it's not for everyone. Microsoft at least gives you the choice as to which version you prefer.
Unfortunately, it's not easy to go back to S mode without wiping the entire Surface Go, so give it a good think over before you hit that button.
You can read more about Windows 10 in S mode at the Microsoft FAQ.
Related Reading and Tips
- Surrface Go review
- How to reinstall Windows 10 Home in S mode on your Surface Go
- Microsoft Surface Go with 64GB eMMC storage – How much slower is the $399 model?
- Why the best microSD memory card for Surface Go is not the most expensive one
- The 4GB Surface Go is better than you may think
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Oculus just acquired Asgard's Wrath developer Sanzaru Games
Sanzaru Games is joining Oculus Studios, a press release has just confirmed. This comes a couple of months after Facebook and Oculus just acquired Beat Games.
Windows 10 release builds now getting new Mail and Calendar icons
The first set of Microsoft's colorful new icons are now rolling out to the public. After going out to Insiders last week, the new Mail and Calendar icons are the first to see a wide release.
Clean install Windows 10 build 19041 with the ISO files, now available
Windows Insiders can now download the ISO files for Windows 10 preview build 19041. You can use these files to clean install Insider build 19041 on your PC ahead of the general 20H1 release this spring.
These are the five best Surface Go sleeves available right now
Protect your Surface Go with a shiny sleeve.
