Forum Discussion
Windows 11 S mode
From shopping it looks like new PCs come with Win 11 “s mode”. If that is turned off can Windows Defender still be used? Lot of reviews saying “s mode” making cheaper models too slow to use.
And why can it not be turned back on? One way only seems pretty stupid! Thanks.
2 Replies
Windows 11 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.
When you switch out of S Mode, Windows Defender (now called Windows Security) remains fully functional. In S Mode, the system uses Windows Defender as the default and only antivirus solution, and it's locked into that mode.
