I want to get my laptop out of S mode

Tiffany Clark 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T05:06:56.7833333+00:00

I keep trying to take my laptop out of S mode but it just stays on the black screen that tells me "this may take a minute to finalize"

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-18T05:07:11.67+00:00

    If the device is hanging on the black “this may take a minute to finalize” screen while switching out of S mode, use this order:

    1. Wait several minutes first if the device is still showing the Microsoft logo or a spinning circle. A Surface support article states to wait several minutes before trying fixes when the device is stuck on a logo screen.
    2. Check for pending Windows updates:
      • Open Start and search for Windows Update.
      • Install any pending updates.
      • Restart the PC.
    3. Reset the Microsoft Store cache:
      • Open Start.
      • Type WSReset.exe and run it.
      • Restart the PC.
    4. If it still fails, use Windows Update repair:
      • Open Settings > System > Recovery.
      • Select Install now under Fix problems using Windows Update.
      • When it finishes, try switching out of S mode again.
    5. Try the switch again from the official S mode path:
      • In Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Activation > under Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro, select Go to the Store.
      • In Microsoft Store, open Switch out of S mode and select Get.
      • Do not select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows.
    6. If the device belongs to an organization, check with the administrator. An organization can keep devices in S mode.

    Important:

    • Switching out of S mode is permanent.
    • There is no charge to switch out of S mode.
    • Once the switch completes, the device can install apps from outside Microsoft Store.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. SD - IA 179.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-18T05:42:18.87+00:00

    Hi,

    Press Windows+R on your keyboard, or Right-click Start on the Taskbar and choose Run.

    Type "wsreset -i"

    Press Enter.

    See if after a reboot the problem persists.

    I look forward to hearing from you with the results of the troubleshooting.

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