Blocked from installing software
If you try to install software you need for school, but you are blocked from completing the install, and are instead taken to the Microsoft Store, you may have a machine that is in what Microsoft calls S mode. This can happen in Windows 10 or Windows 11. (Please note, Windows 10 is now out of date and should be updated, Click the link for more information about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11)
If you have a windows computer in S mode, you will only be able to install apps from the Microsoft store. The text of the warning message reads "For security and performance, Windows in S mode runs Microsoft verified apps"
You may encounter this error if you are trying to install software such as Lockdown Browser, Adobe PDF Reader or something as simple as one of our supported browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox or anything else not found in the Windows store
Do I have Windows S mode?
Microsoft says "To increase security, it allows only apps from the Microsoft Store"
To check if your PC is using S-Mode go to Settings > System > About. On the About page, scroll down to the Windows Specifications section. If you see the words in S mode to the right of the Edition entry, you’re using an S Mode PC. If you don’t, you’re not using S Mode.
Click the link for more information about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11
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Switch out of S mode
Students with Windows computers in S mode will be unable to install the software they need unless the switch their computer out of S mode. The instructions can vary depending on which version of Windows you have. Follow the instructions at the link below to switch out of S mode or contact Tech Support for help with that.
The link above is from Microsoft and will automatically open the instructions and links you need for your computer.
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 or Windows 11 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.
- To switch out of S mode, click here to open the Microsoft Store to the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page.
- On the Switch out of S mode (or similar)page, 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.
- Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the gear icon (Settings), or Press
Windows Key + I. - Navigate to Activation:
- Windows 11: Go to System > Activation.
- Windows 10: Go to Update & Security > Activation.
- Go to the Store: Find the "Switch to Windows 10/11 Pro/Home" section and click the Go to the Store link.
- Get Out of S Mode: On the "Switch out of S mode" page in the Microsoft Store, click the Get button.
- Confirm: Click Install if prompted, and wait for the confirmation message.
In person help on campus
If you need help in person to make these changes stop by and see us on campus.
On the Lawrenceville campus Student Tech Support is available:
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Go to the information desk in the lobby of building 100 and ask to see the Student IT Help Desk.
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On the Alpharetta campus Student Tech Support is available:
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
Go to the information desk and ask to see Student Tech Support.
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Remote support is also available using a screen share session.
Call 678-226-6407 during our available hours.
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If you need tech support with anything else please let us know.
You can send us a message, give us a call, or come see us in person in the front lobby in building 100 on the Lawrenceville campus.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
https://gwinnetttech.edu/helpdesk
Answers to frequently asked questions can also be found on our website