HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows in S Mode (Windows 11, Windows 10)

All drivers for Windows 11 or 10 in S mode are available only through the Windows Update (WU) server.

How To Find Drivers and Software for HP Products in Windows 10 S

Learn how to find drivers and software for HP Products in Windows 10 S.Windows 10 S detects devices connected to the computer and installs them automatically.

All executables and built-in Windows utilities are disabled in Windows 11 or 10 in S mode. This prevents installing and running any malicious programs that can affect the security and performance of the computer.

Windows 11 or 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 11 or Windows 10 Pro with a familiar and productive Windows experience. By using apps from the Windows Store only and using Microsoft Edge to browse safely, Windows 11 or 10 in S mode offers better performance and security.

Windows 11 or 10 in S mode was designed for students and teachers to optimize the Windows operating system for schools. Its consistent performance and advanced security also make Windows 11 or 10 in S mode appropriate for others who are interested in using apps only from the Windows Store, eliminating the risk of downloading apps from other sources.

For more information about Windows 11 or 10 in S mode, see Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ (in English).

There is only one version of Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode. Updates to Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode are received through Windows Update.

Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode are specific configurations of Windows designed for added security and performance.

For more information, see Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ (in English).

Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode are updated using Windows Update.

Apps found in the Windows Store work in Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode. Most apps available in the Windows Store work in Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode the same way they work in Windows 11 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Home.

Printers and other peripherals that work with Windows 11 or Windows 10 also work with Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode, but some might have limited functions.

You are attempting to install an app, or .exe file, outside of the Windows Store. Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode can only install apps available from the Windows Store. Most Windows Store apps work in Windows 10 in S mode the same way they work in Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home, and with Windows 11 in S mode the same way they work in Windows 11 Home.

Default Windows apps preinstalled with Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode include the following:

You can also install apps from the Windows Store.

The hard drive space used by Windows 11 in S mode is about 24 GB. The hard drive space used by Windows 10 in S mode is about 5 GB.

If you suspect that you have a problem with your hardware, you can use several different tools to diagnose the problem.

See HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10 for more information.

If you cannot connect to the internet, or for other general troubleshooting, you can see the following document.

See HP PCs - Using Automated Troubleshooting (Windows 10, 8) for more information.

Product information can be found on product labels. Look for a label or laser-etched product information on the bottom of the computer, under the battery, under the service door, on the back of the display, or on the bottom of a tablet or kickstand.

You can also find system information in the BIOS by pressing f1 or f10 while the computer is starting up. System information is located under the Main tab.

Yes, you can use the apps purchased from the Windows Store in Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode. The apps are linked to your Microsoft account. In most cases, signing in with your Microsoft account allows you to install an app from the Windows Store on your Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode PC.

Windows provides several built-in accessibility features. If you use assistive technology apps that are not available through the Windows Store and are not downloadable to a Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode device, switch to Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

No, Services.msc cannot be used in Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode.

Yes, documents can be saved as PDFs in Windows Scan.

Windows 11 in S mode and Windows 10 in S mode both use Microsoft Edge as the default web browser and Bing as the default search engine. However, you can install any browser available in the Windows Store and can navigate to any other search engine website.

You can switch to Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro if you want to download a browser (or any other app) not available in the Windows Store. You can then set the browser and search engine defaults that you prefer.

Yes, built-in apps with .exe work; for example, Notepad and File Explorer.

Website restrictions are the same as for Windows 11 Home and Windows 10 Pro using Microsoft Edge. Standard users and administrators might have different permissions to access different websites.

You can switch to Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro any time through the Windows Store. It is purchased and paid for through the Windows Store. To learn more or switch to Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro, open the Windows Store and search for Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

If you want to go back to Windows 11 in S mode or Windows 10 in S mode after upgrading, perform a system reset. For more information, see HP PCs - Reset the computer.

The ARM processor is a mobile processor, which allows for an "always on" experience and a thinner, lighter device with longer battery life. The operating system for the HP ENVY x2 12-e0xx is a full version of Windows 10 in S mode.