Windows FLP

Second, Windows 11 S mode offers a more modern and streamlined user interface compared to Windows 10 S mode. This includes new features such as Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and virtual desktops that are not available in Windows 10 S mode.

What is Windows 10 S mode? How does Windows 11 S mode differ?

Windows 11 S mode builds on its predecessor, Windows 10 S mode. It is a streamlined version of Windows 11, designed to provide a secure, fast, and easy-to-use computing experience. In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of Windows 11 S mode and compare them to Windows 10 S mode. In addition, you will learn how to disable Windows 11 S mode.

1. Improved security
2. Windows 10 S mode vs. Windows 11 S mode
3. How to check whether Windows 11 is in S mode
4. Running EXE or MSI applications in S mode?
5. Disable Windows 11 S mode
6. Conclusion

Jasmin Kahriman is an IT Pro with 15 years of experience. He is deep into data center monitoring, product and customer advocacy, training, and blogging. Check out his blog TechWithJasmin.com, and feel free to connect with Jasmin via LinkedIn.

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Improved security

Windows S mode improves security in several ways:

• Only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store to be installed
• Only allowing Microsoft Edge as the default web browser
• Disabling command line scripting
• Disabling PowerShell
• Disabling Windows Registry editing

In addition, Windows 11 S mode boots faster and performs better than Windows 11. Here is a feature overview of Windows 11 (Switched Out) and Windows 11 S mode.

In S mode vs Switched Out

Windows 10 S mode vs. Windows 11 S mode

Windows 10 S mode and Windows 11 S mode are similar in that they both offer streamlined and secure versions of the operating system. However, there are some differences between the two versions.

First, Windows 11 brings several enhancements compared to Windows 10. This includes improved boot time, optimized memory, and enhanced security in terms of hardware-based isolation and protection against ransomware. All of these things benefit Windows S mode, making it better, faster, and more protected.

Second, Windows 11 S mode offers a more modern and streamlined user interface compared to Windows 10 S mode. This includes new features such as Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and virtual desktops that are not available in Windows 10 S mode.

Third, Windows 11 S mode offers better performance and efficiency compared to Windows 10 S mode. This is due to improvements in the underlying architecture of the operating system, including a more optimized power management system.

Fourth, Windows 11 S mode has stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10 S mode. This means that not all devices that can run Windows 10 S mode will be able to run Windows 11 S mode. For example, devices must have a 64-bit processor and at least 4 GB of RAM to run Windows 11 S mode.

And last but not least, whereas Windows S mode in Windows 10 is available for the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, in Windows 11, only the Home edition is supported. This is why you cannot upgrade Windows 10 Pro S mode to Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft doesn’t support adding Windows 11 Home to an Active Directory domain, which means you can’t manage it with Group Policy. However, one way to manage Windows 11 Home S mode machines in a corporate network is to use an MDM solution.

How to check whether Windows 11 is in S mode

If you purchased an OEM Windows 11 device, S mode might have been preinstalled. To check whether S mode is active, navigate to System > About. If S mode is enabled, you will see Windows 11 Home in S mode under Edition.

Checking whether Windows 11 S mode is enabled in System About

The second way to verify whether S mode is enabled is by navigating to Systems > Activation.

Checking whether Windows 11 S mode is enabled Systems Activation

Running EXE or MSI applications in S mode?

You can’t run EXE or MSI applications in S mode. If you try to install an application, you will receive this error message:

The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app

You cant install EXE or MSI applications

The only way to install the EXE or MSI application is to switch out of Windows 11 S mode.

If you try to run the Registry Editor or a PowerShell command, you will notice a popup window with this error message:

For security and performance, this mode of Windows only runs Microsoft-verified apps.

For security and performance this mode of Windows only runs Microsoft verified apps

Disable Windows 11 S mode

Note that you will not be able to return to S mode once you’ve switched out of S mode.

Here is how to disable S mode:

1. Open the Settings tool.
2. Navigate to System and then select Activation.
3. Expand S mode and then click Open Store to open the Microsoft Store.
4. Click the Get button to switch Windows 11 out of S mode.

Switch out of S mode

That’s it. Your Windows 11 S mode is now disabled. If you want to switch back to S mode, you have to reinstall Windows 11.

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Conclusion

Microsoft introduced S mode in Windows 10 and also offers it in Windows 11. S mode enhances security and performance. Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 brings several benefits to the table, including improved speed, memory optimization, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Unfortunately, unlike in Windows 10, Windows 11 S mode is available only for the Home edition.

Windows FLP

This utility lets you integrate a service pack into the lightweight OS from Microsoft called Windows Fundamentals. It contains various enhancements and bug fixes.

Update date:
Microsoft Corporation
Windows version:
Windows XP

Windows FLP is a Windows program for updating the customized version of the Microsoft operating system. Users can install the included Service Pack 3 to resolve several technical issues and enable additional functions.

Update contents

The SP3 provides multiple security enhancements to prevent external virus attacks. Instruments for protecting the system memory from being analyzed by spaware are included as well. Moreover, there are several interface improvements and bug fixes.

About Windows Fundamentals

This OS edition was developed and optimized to run on older hardware. It is based on Windows XP. The lightweight operating system offers you limited capabilities for various types of workloads like security, management and document editing. NET Framework is available as well.

Multiple non essential components such as Paint, Outlook Express and games are removed from Windows FLP. Additionally, users cannot access the Compatibility tab in the Properties dialog box for executable files.

It is important to mention that Windows Fundamentals is discontinued and no longer supported by the developer.

Features

• free to download and use;
• allows you to install a service pack for Windows FLP;
• includes bug fixes and other improvements;
• there are several security enhancements;
• developed and optimized to run well on older hardware;
• does not contains Paint, Outlook and some other standard components;
• compatible with Windows Fundamentals for legacy PCs.