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What I need to do to allow windows 11 to install apps that do not belong to the MS Store

Hello everyone,

Can you help me to download apps which are not in the MS Store, my laptop has windows 11 and I´m following the above steps but send me an error message. Try that again, something happens in our end.

Switching out of S mode in Windows 11:

  1. On your PC running Windows 11 in S mode, open Settings  > System  > Activation.

  2. Find the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.

    Note: Don't select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That's a different process that will keep you in S mode.

  3. On the page that appears in Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside Microsoft Store.

In summary, what I need is to switch out of S Mode.

Thanks in advance for your help

Ivonne

Hi Ivonne,

I'm Christine, a Windows user like you. I can see here that you would like to switch out from S mode for you to be able to download or install apps outside MS Store. No worries, I'll do my best to help you.

To switch out, please click Start menu and type Activation then hit enter.
Please click Go to Store and hit Get button to switch out from S mode.
Since you're getting an error message, please make sure that your device is up to date.

Update Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/upd...

Reference:
Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win...


Please let me know the result. I'll be happy to assist you all the way until it's resolved.

Thank you,
Christine L
Independent Advisor

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Hi Tin,

Thanks for your reply, my windows is up to date, however the same error remains when I click on Open Store bottom.

Can you please let me know what can be happening?

Thanks a lot,

Ivonne

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Hi Ivonne,

There might be a server traffic. Let's wait for at least 24 hours and check if the issue persists.

Thank you,
Christine

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Hi Christine,

Thanks for your reply but after trying again, the error remains. I have been reading about that error message and always mentioned that It is a Microsoft issue.

I do not have problem to access the Store outside the Activation process, just in case that can give you a light

I really would appreciate your help.

Do you have any other solution?

Thanks in advance

Ivonne

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Hi Ivonne,

Thanks for updating me. Under activation section, are you seeing any indication that your Windows is not activated?

Please check and follow the steps below:

1. Please check the Time&Language and your region if you have set the right information.

2. Please open MS Store then click the Library icon at the bottom left side and check if is there any pending update.

3. Please click start menu and type wsreset.exe then hit enter.

Once done, please check if you will be able to switch out from S mode.


Thank you,
Christine

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Last updated March 4, 2025 Views 8,643 Applies to: