HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 10 in S Mode

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

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

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Windows 10 in S mode does not support any legacy Win32 apps, HP repair tools, or any preinstalled HP apps, such as HP Support Assistant (HPSA). Drivers are not distributed through hp.com or HPSA. All drivers for Windows 10 in S mode are available through the Windows Update (WU) server only.

Windows 10 in S mode is a new version of 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 10 in S mode offers better performance and security.

Windows 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 10 in S mode appropriate for others who are only interested in using apps from the Windows Store, eliminating the risk of downloading apps from other sources.

For more information, see Introducing Windows 10 in S Mode (in English) on the Microsoft website.

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

Windows 10 in S mode is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro designed for added security and performance. Windows 10 in S mode uses Microsoft Edge as its browser and uses apps from the Windows Store only to enhance performance and security. Certain default settings, features, and apps cannot be changed. Some accessories and apps compatible with Windows 10 might not work (including some antivirus, PDF Writers, driver utilities and accessibility apps), and performance might vary, even if you switch to Windows 10 Pro configuration (fee might apply). For more information, go to Microsoft webpage Windows 10 in S Mode FAQ (in English).

Windows 10 in S mode is updated through Windows Update.

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

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Some developer tools are not supported for use on Windows 10 in S mode. A small number of apps with known compatibility issues report the issues in the app detail page in the Windows Store.

Printers and other peripherals that work with Windows 10 also work with Windows 10 in S mode, but some might have limited functionality. Microsoft's Window 10 in S Mode Accessory Compatibility (in English) includes additional details on Microsoft hardware accessories, as well as links to third parties that share compatibility information for using their accessories with Windows 10 in S mode. If you do not find information on a specific model, please check with your accessory manufacturer for further information.

You are attempting to install an app, or .exe file, outside of the Windows Store. 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.

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Some developer tools are not supported for use in Windows 10 in S mode. A small number of apps with known compatibility issues report the issues on the app detail page in the Windows Store.

Default Windows apps preinstalled with Windows 10 in S mode include:

• Mail
• Bing Maps
• Groove Music
• Photos
• Movies & TV
• Microsoft Edge (The default browser in Windows 10 in S mode)

In addition, you can install apps from the Windows Store.

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

If you suspect you have a problem with your hardware, see Testing for Hardware Failures.

If you cannot connect to the Internet, or for other general troubleshooting, see Using Automated Troubleshooting (Windows 10, 8).

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.

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The key combination Fn + Esc does not display a system information pop-up window in Windows 10 in S mode.

Yes, you should be able to use the apps purchased from the Windows Store in 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 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 10 in S mode device, switch to Windows 10 Pro.

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

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

Microsoft Windows 10 in S mode uses 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 10 Pro if you want to download a browser (or any other app) not available in the Windows Store. You can then set 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 10 Pro using Edge. Standard users and administrators might have different permissions to access different websites.

You can switch to 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 10 Pro, go to the Windows Store and search for Windows 10 Pro.

If you want to go back to Windows 10 in S mode after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, perform a system reset. For more information, go to Resetting Your Computer (Windows 10).

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If you have an HP ENVY x2 12-e0xx and want to go back to Windows 10 in S mode after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, you must use recovery media. If you did not create recovery media, order it from HP. For more information, see Obtaining HP Recovery Discs or an HP USB Recovery Drive.

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.