Windows 10 S Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: What exactly is Windows 11 S?

Posted on December 15, 2025

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Question from Sheila: I’m currently shopping for a Windows laptop and most of the cheaper ones say they come with Windows 11 S or Windows 11 in S mode.

The ads don’t really give any details about this version of Windows 11. What exactly does the “S”? I’ve never seen that before.

I really need to buy a new laptop because the one I have is getting pretty long in the tooth, but I’m confused about whether I should buy one with Windows 11 S on it or not.

What’s your opinion about this? I really like the low prices of the “S” machines but I want to know what I’ll be getting before I order one. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do you switch Windows out of S mode?

Posted on May 4, 2023

Question from Karla: I bought a closeout Acer laptop a couple of months ago and I didn’t realize it had Windows 10 S on it. I didn’t even know there was such a thing.

I just found out that some of the software I really need to run won’t work with Windows 10 S. It needs Windows 10 Home instead.

I’d just return the laptop and get a different one but it was a closeout and I can’t return it.

I heard that you can convert Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Home for free but I don’t know how to do it. Can you tell me? [Read more…]