Windows® 10 S Compatibility with Intel® NUC and Intel® Compute Stick
Content Type: Compatibility | Article ID: 000025096 | Last Reviewed: 02/27/2025
Support Knowledge Base
The pre-installed operating system has changed from Windows® 10 Home to Windows® 10 Home in S mode for the following products:
| Product name | Product version before change | Product version after change |
| Intel® NUC Kit NUC6CAYSAL | J26847-409 and earlier J26849-409 and earlier | J26847-410 and later J26849-410 and later |
| Intel® NUC Kit NUC7CJYSAL | J67993-402 and earlier J67994-401 and earlier K15927-402 and earlier | J67993-403 and later J67994-402 and later K15927-403 and later |
| Intel® Compute Stick STK1AW32SC | H93326-110 and earlier H95534-109 and earlier | H93326-111 and later H95534-110 and later |
What is Windows® 10 in S mode?
Windows 10 in S mode is a version of Windows 10 that's streamlined for security and performance, while providing a familiar Windows experience. To increase security, it allows only apps from the Microsoft Store, and requires Microsoft Edge for safe browsing.
How to tell if you have Windows 10 in S mode
- Press the Windows + x keys
- Select System.
- See the Windows specifications section for the current version of Windows installed.
How to switch out of Windows 10 in S mode
If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to permanently switch out of S mode.
- Press the Windows + x keys
- Select Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Activation.
- In the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select the Go to the Store link.
Caution
Don't select the link under "Upgrade your edition of Windows." That's a different process that will keep you in S mode. - On the Switch out of S mode page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button. After you confirm this action, you'll be able to install apps from outside the Microsoft Store.
There is a known Microsoft issue that can cause some users to be unable to "Switch Out of S Mode". To obtain the fix for this issue, please visit the Microsoft Store, select More ... > Downloads and updates > Get updates. Install all available updates, including Microsoft Store version 11906.1001.24.0 (or later). For more information, contact Microsoft Store updates: Get updates for apps and games in Microsoft Store.