switch out of s mode is failing

Switching out of S mode relies on the Microsoft Store “Switch out of S mode” flow and, in managed environments, on the SMode licensing state exposed via MDM.

For a failure where “the system browser extension will not grant SMode switch off” is reported, use these checks and alternatives:

1. Verify the standard Store-based switch path
   • On Windows 10 in S mode: go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
   • Under Switch to Windows 10 Home/Pro, select Go to the Store (do not use the Upgrade your edition of Windows link).
   • In the Microsoft Store page (Switch out of S mode or similar), select Get and confirm.
   • Alternatively, use the Store deep link: ms-windows-store://switchwindows/ or ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=BF712690PMLF&OCID=windowssmodesupportpage as provided in the documentation.
2. Confirm organizational policy is not blocking the switch
   • Devices enrolled via Autopilot/MDM may be kept in S mode by policy. If the device belongs to an organization, contact the administrator to verify whether switching out of S mode is allowed.
   • Use the WindowsLicensing CSP to check S mode status:
     • Query ./Vendor/MSFT/WindowsLicensing/SMode/Status via MDM.
     • Interpret values:
       • 0 – device successfully switched out of S mode.
       • 1 – request is still processing.
       • 3 – device was already switched out of S mode.
       • 4 – device failed to switch out of S mode.
       • 404 – no SwitchFromSMode request has been made.
   • If 4 (failed) is returned, review MDM policy and any switching policy that might be preventing the Store request from completing.
3. Retry the switch after policy/Store issues are resolved
   • Once any blocking policy is removed or corrected, repeat the Store-based switch process.
   • Remember that switching out of S mode is one-way; it is not possible to return to S mode afterward.

References:

• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ
• Switching out of S mode in Windows
• WindowsLicensing CSP