Deactivate Windows 10 S mode
Deactivate Windows 10 S mode
I need a way to test the new laptop without using the official Windows setup. I already had a clean copy of the OEM SSD before the first boot. I tried installing Windows 10 from a USB drive, but it didn’t let me pick the edition during setup—it just chose Home by default. I want to install any version without activation for a short period. It doesn’t matter if it’s Pro or not; Home should work without the activation mode. I don’t need to sign in with a Microsoft account or link my account to get the app from the store. How can I bypass this without using one?
I'll check that link later: https://www.askvg.com/fix-cant-select-wi...tallation/
To turn off S mode, navigate to your UEFI settings and disable Secure Boot. This should remove the Windows install from S mode. When setting up Windows 10 during installation, you can pick any edition by using Microsoft’s media creation tool. Launch the installation USB drive and create a text file at [drive letter]:\sources\ei.cfg with the specified contents: [Channel] Retail That's it.
Or... launch the Windows Store and skip the S mode. No need to log in.
When installing Windows 10 using a LOCAL account without a Microsoft connection, you won’t be able to access the store unless you sign in first or set up an account. The system doesn’t ask for login because it detects your existing Microsoft account linked to your Windows user profile. Temporarily disabling secure boot can make this process faster and simpler.