How to Enable S Mode in Windows Looking to boost security and streamline performance on a Windows device? Windows S Mode, a special configuration available for Windows 10 and 11 devices, might be the solution. In this video, we’ll walk through what S Mode is, how to check if it's enabled and the available methods to install or switch to it. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What Is S Mode? S Mode is a locked-down version of Windows, designed to optimize security, performance, and battery life. It restricts users to apps from the Microsoft Store and forces the use of Microsoft Edge for browsing, making it ideal for managed or kiosk-style environments. Why Use S Mode? S Mode offers several benefits: Security. It blocks non–Store apps, reducing the risk of malware and unauthorized installations. Performance. S Mode is optimized for low-end hardware, with minimal background processes. Battery Life. S Mode limits resource-heavy applications, improving power efficiency. However, S Mode has its limitations. It doesn’t support traditional Win32 applications like Chrome,VLC, or Steam, and only supports Microsoft Edge for browsing. In addition, be careful about disabling S Mode: once disabled, you’ll need to run a fresh Windows install to re-enable it. How to Configure S Mode How to Check if S Mode is Active To check if a PC is already in S Mode, go to Settings > System > About. Under Windows specifications, look for “Windows 10/11 in S mode.” If it’s listed, S Mode is already active. If it isn’t listed, you’ll have to enable S Mode on your device. But here's the kicker: Windows does not provide a toggle to enable S Mode on demand. It must either be pre-installed by the device manufacturer or enabled through a fresh Windows installation. Enabling S Mode With a Fresh Install The only official way to enable S Mode is by performing a clean Windows installation. Follow these steps: Download the Windows 10 or 11 ISO from Microsoft Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB. Boot from the USB and begin installation. When prompted, select the Windows 10/11 in S Mode. If it’s available, complete setup and sign in with a Microsoft account. Optional: Enable via Settings Some OEM devices allow switching to S Mode through Windows Settings. Once you've opened the app, navigate to either Update & Security for Windows 10, or System for Windows 11. Go to Activation, then check if you have the option to switch to S Mode. S Mode can help enforce tighter security and performance standards, making it ideal for education kiosks or locked-down user profiles. However, we recommend that you carefully evaluate user needs before committing to it, since switching out of S mode is permanent and cannot be undone without a fresh installation. For more information, check out our official blog post on how to enable S Mode in Windows linked in the description below. Be sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this.