Switch out of S Mode on student laptop

Chrome - Recommended browser for classes

Blackboard works the best using the Chrome browser and users experience the least number of issues for classes. Because of this, we recommend using Chrome when accessing your classes.

Switching out of S mode in Windows 10

Windows 10 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 (i.e., Google Chrome), you'll need to switch out of S mode. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.

  1. On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

  2. In the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select Go to the Store. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)

  3. On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.

Download & install Google Chrome

  1. Using your default web browser, search “download chrome” and go to link. 
  2. Download the installation file using the blue button.
  3. If prompted, click Run or Save.

  4. If you chose Save, double-click the download to start installing.

  5. A Chrome window opens after everything is done.

Want to set Chrome as your default web browser?

  1. On your Windows 10 computer, click the Start menu at the bottom left hand corner of your screen. 
  2. Click Settings gear icon.
  3. Open your default apps: Click System > Default apps.
  4. At the bottom, under "Web browser," click your current browser (typically Microsoft Edge).
  5. In the "Choose an app" window, click Google Chrome.