Switching out of S Mode in Windows

Modified on Mon, 23 Jan, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Some students have reported issues with installing Respondus Lockdown Browser on Window devices. This is due to the Windows device being in S Mode.

While we can’t advise you on what to do with your personal equipment, we can verify that disabling S Mode is a fix for installation of the Respondus Lockdown Browser. We have had many students disable S mode in Windows to allow Respondus to install correctly with no problems.

If you do not wish to disable S mode on your personal computer, we have testing centers on each campus with computers set up with Respondus Lockdown Browser. All students are welcome to take exams there as well.

Switching out of S mode in Windows

Windows 10 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.

On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
In the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select Go to the Store. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.