'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Google and Norton Not Working on a New Windows Computer
Question details
The user is unable to install or run Google and Norton on a newly purchased Windows computer and suspects Microsoft is forcing the use of Edge and Defender.
- Product
- Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a newly purchased Windows computer with preferred third-party software.
- Observed behavior
- Google and Norton fail to install or launch, making it appear as though Microsoft is intentionally blocking them in favor of Microsoft Edge and Windows Defender.
Verify whether your new computer is running Windows in 'S Mode', as this mode restricts all app installations to those found strictly within the Microsoft Store.
Disable Windows S Mode
Switching out of S Mode allows you to install third-party applications like Google Chrome and Norton Antivirus from outside the Microsoft Store.
Many new Windows computers come with Windows 10 or 11 in S Mode enabled by default for security and performance. While in S Mode, you cannot install software downloaded from the internet, which blocks Google and Norton installers.
Click the Start button and select 'Settings' (the gear icon).
Go to 'System' and then click on 'Activation'.
Look for the 'Switch to Windows 11/10 Pro or Home' section. Click the 'Go to the Store' link underneath it.
In the Microsoft Store page that appears (Switch out of S mode), click the 'Get' button and follow the prompts. Once completed, you can install Google and Norton.
Change Default Browser Settings
Configure Windows to use Google Chrome instead of Microsoft Edge as your default web browser.
Install Norton and Update Windows Security
Properly install Norton so that Windows Defender automatically disables its real-time protection to prevent conflicts.
Need an Office Suite for Your New PC? Try WPS Office
While configuring your new Windows computer, consider WPS Office instead of Microsoft Office. It's a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative that works seamlessly on Windows without complicated setup restrictions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Run the Installer: Open the downloaded setup file and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office to immediately start working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Microsoft legally block third-party antivirus software like Norton?
No, Microsoft does not block third-party antivirus software. However, Windows Defender is built-in and active by default. Once you successfully install a recognized antivirus like Norton, Windows Security automatically disables its own real-time protection to avoid software conflicts.
Why does Microsoft Edge keep opening when I search from the Windows taskbar?
Windows integrates its taskbar search directly with Bing and Microsoft Edge by default. Even if you set Google Chrome as your default browser, taskbar web searches will still open in Edge. To use Google, you should perform your searches directly within your Google Chrome browser window.
What should I do if Norton still won't install after turning off S Mode?
Ensure you are downloading the official Norton installer from their secure website. You can also try temporarily disabling Windows SmartScreen in Windows Security settings, or right-click the Norton installer and select 'Run as administrator'.
