Can't deactive s mode

Colum Peel 25 Reputation points
2026-01-31T19:46:15.89+00:00

Tried every soft suggestion, but keep getting the 'try again' option on MS store to remove S Mode. I've just bought an acer aspire 15 lite with Win 11 Home (unknowingly set to S*** Mode). I'm at wits end now and demand a fix to this charade. What can I do short of bricking a brand new laptop? I've run repeated updates for MS Store, Windows, etc and I'm getting nowhere.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accessibility

Answer accepted by question author
EmilyS726 264.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-01-31T20:24:54.0233333+00:00

Hello,

Many users have reported this issue during the last few days. Microsoft hasn't officially put out any information achknowledging this issue at the moment, but I am not surprised that the issue is on Microsoft's end, not on user's end.

The typical fix usually is to reset the store app via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Microsoft Store app.

Or relink msft account:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info

Click on Sign in with local user instead. follow the steps and finish the rest.

(If you don't see the "sign in with a local account instead option, click on "Stop signing into Microsoft apps automatically" first, then relaunch this page. )

Restart the computer (Do Not skip)

Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info

Click on Sign in with Microsoft account instead. follow the steps and finish the rest

Restart the computer (Do Not skip)

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But if neither of those helps, I strongly suggest avoid taking anymore aggressive approach as it can bring on unnecessary new issue, and hopefully a fix is implemented by Microsoft soon. Such same issue happened in the past from time to time and often was short lived.

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  1. Tracey Vazzana 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-16T15:34:09.46+00:00

    8/16/26 - Same issue on new Dell laptop install. Can't install print drivers, non-MS browsers or upgrade to Pro from Home version with S Mode enabled. NONE of the suggested fixes work.

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