14 DAY TRIAL // A bug affecting Windows 10 in S Mode blocks users from upgrading to the full version of the operating system, with multiple user reports posted on Microsoft Community forums.
As per these reports, the switch out of S mode page in the Microsoft Store no longer loads, which makes it impossible to unlock the standard Windows 10 version.
By default, devices running in S Mode can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, as Win32 software is locked for security reasons. One of the most popular models shipping with Windows 10 in S Mode enabled is Microsoft’s Surface Go.
Depending on the device, the upgrade from Windows 10 in S Mode to full Windows can be done either at no cost or with a small fee, and the switch can be performed through the Microsoft Store.
Fix already available
But due to this bug, upgrading to full Windows isn’t possible on the impacted devices.
“I recently purchased a Microsoft Surface Go for travel, and although I'm enjoying it thus far there is a need to switch out of S Mode to install one or two additional programs. I've followed all of the steps to reach the "Switch Out of S Mode" screen in the Microsoft Store, however, the page never loads. Instead, it shows a blank store screen,” one user says in a post on Microsoft’s Community forums (via WL).
Microsoft says it has already released a fix for the Microsoft Store app, so users who update to this latest version should be able to upgrade to full Windows normally.
“Thank you for your feedback. We have completed our investigation and have published an updated version of the Microsoft Store app which includes a fix for this issue. To install this update: From the taskbar, open Microsoft Store. Select More ... > Downloads and updates > Get updates,” a member of the Microsoft Surface Team explains.
The Microsoft Store app version that corrects the bug is 11906.1001.24.0, so make sure you install this one or a later release if you can’t load the upgrade page in the Store.