Installing on PC in Windows S Mode

Windows S Mode are special versions of Windows streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. Current there is a Windows 10 and Windows 11 S Mode edition. To increase security, it required applications be downloaded and purchased from the Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing.

Because a S mode PC only runs applications obtained and purchased from the Microsoft Store, It cannot install programs coming from other sources, such as CDE Software products, which come from CDE Software's secure website.

To check if your PC is using S Mode, head to Settings > System > About. On the About page, scroll down to the “Windows Specifications” section. If you see the words “in S mode” to the right of the Edition entry, you're using an S Mode PC.

To install CDE Software products, you'll need to switch the PC out of S mode. Microsoft does not charge to switch out of S mode.
  1. On the PC running S mode, head to Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation.
  2. Locate the Switch to Windows Home or Switch to Windows Pro section, then select the Go to the Store link.
    Note: Don't select the link under Upgrade your edition of Windows. That's a different process that will keep the PC  in S mode.
  3. On the page that appears in the Microsoft Store (Switch out of S mode or a similar page), select the Get button. After confirming this action, CDE Software products can be installed.