Fix Office 2019 Installation Detecting Windows 11 S Mode Incorrectly
Question details
The user needs to resolve an Office 2019 installation error that falsely detects Windows 11 as being in S mode.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Installing a volume-license version of Office 2019 on a Windows 11 computer.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails, displaying an error stating that Windows in S mode does not support this Office version, even though the computer appears not to be in S mode.
Ensure your computer has an active internet connection to access the Microsoft Store, and verify you are logged in with an administrator account.
Verify Windows Edition and Switch out of S Mode
Check your system settings to confirm if Windows 11 is actually in S mode and use the Microsoft Store to disable it so you can install third-party apps.
Even if S mode appears to be disabled, the system's activation settings may still be detecting it. You must complete the switch-out process through the official Microsoft Store page.
Click the Start menu and select Settings, or press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Select System from the left sidebar, then click on Activation on the right side to view your current Windows edition.
If S mode is enabled, look for the 'Switch to Windows 11 Pro' or 'Switch to Windows 11 Home' section. Click 'Go to the Store' directly beneath it. Do not click the link under 'Upgrade your edition of Windows'.
On the 'Switch out of S mode' page that opens in the Microsoft Store, click the 'Get' button and wait for the confirmation message.
Contact Windows or Volume Licensing Support
If Windows is confirmed not to be in S mode and the error persists, the volume license installer may require advanced troubleshooting.
Use WPS Office as a Hassle-Free Alternative to Office 2019
Avoid complex installation errors, volume licensing issues, and S mode restrictions. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that installs quickly on any Windows version and provides seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to get the latest version.
- 2. Download the Installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to save the installation file to your computer.
- 3. Install and Edit: Run the installer, follow the simple on-screen instructions, and start editing your documents immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PC say it is in S mode when I try to install Office 2019?
Windows 11 may come preinstalled in S mode for security and performance, restricting app installations to only those from the Microsoft Store. If you are using a standard desktop installer, it will trigger this error until S mode is disabled.
Can I install Office 2019 while keeping Windows 11 in S mode?
No. Standard desktop applications (.exe or .msi), including volume-licensed Office 2019, cannot be installed in S mode. You must switch out of S mode or use web-based applications instead.
What should I do if the 'Switch out of S mode' option is missing or not working?
Ensure your Windows is fully updated via Windows Update and that the Microsoft Store app is up to date. If the option is still missing, it may be restricted by your organization's IT policies, requiring administrator intervention.
