Here’s a clear, concise guide comparing (the standard consumer edition) and Windows 11 in S Mode (a restricted, security-focused mode available on certain editions). At a Glance | Feature | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home in S Mode | |---------|----------------|----------------------------| | App installation | Any compatible software (EXE, MSI, etc.) | Only Microsoft Store apps | | Default browser | Any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) | Microsoft Edge only | | Search engine | Can change to Google, DuckDuckGo, etc. | Bing (enforced in Edge) | | Command line | Full access (PowerShell, CMD, Terminal) | Blocked | | Third-party antivirus | Allowed | Not allowed (uses Windows Security) | | Performance | Normal | Slightly faster, more predictable battery | | Security | Standard (but still good) | Locked down — no sideloading, script execution limited | What Is S Mode? S Mode is not a separate edition of Windows — it’s a locked-down configuration available on Windows 11 Home (and some Windows 11 Pro devices, e.g., in education). It prioritizes security and performance by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store and forcing Microsoft Edge + Bing.
If you buy a PC with S Mode and later find it too limiting, switching to Home is easy and free.
