Cannot Switch Out of S Mode Windows 11: Fix “We Couldn’t Start the Upgrade” Error

Windows 11 S mode restricts app installation to the Microsoft Store. Microsoft designs it for security and performance, but many users need full desktop access. Normally, switching out of S mode takes one click. However, the Microsoft Store often fails with the error: “Something happened and we couldn’t start the upgrade.”

This guide explains why the error happens and shows every working fix that actually resolves the issue.

What Causes the S Mode Switch Error in Windows 11

Windows does not remove S mode locally. The system depends on Microsoft Store licensing servers to unlock it.

The switch fails when:

• Microsoft Store account sync breaks
• Region licensing fails
• The Microsoft account lacks entitlement
• Store backend services return errors

Resetting Windows does not fix this issue because the failure occurs on Microsoft’s servers.

Step 1: Sign In With the Correct Microsoft Account

Windows requires a verified Microsoft account to disable S mode.

Do this first:

1. Open Settings → Accounts
2. Confirm Windows uses a Microsoft account, not a local account
3. Open Microsoft Store
4. Click the profile icon
5. Make sure the same account appears in both places

If the accounts differ, the Store cannot unlock S mode.

Step 2: Use the Microsoft Store Page Directly

The Settings app often fails to open the correct Store listing.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Search for Switch out of S mode
3. Open the official listing
4. Click Get

If the Store shows the same error, continue to the next fix.

Step 3: Change the System Region Temporarily

Microsoft ties S mode licensing to Store regions. Changing the region forces a backend refresh.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
2. Change Country or region to United States
3. Restart the system
4. Open Microsoft Store
5. Search Switch out of S mode
6. Click Get

You can revert the region after the switch completes.

Step 4: Create a New Microsoft Account (Most Reliable Fix)

Many S mode failures link to broken account entitlements. A new account forces a clean license request.

How to do it:

1. Create a new Microsoft account
2. Open Settings → Accounts
3. Sign out of the current account
4. Sign in with the new account
5. Open Microsoft Store
6. Search Switch out of S mode
7. Click Get

This method resolves the issue on most Windows 11 Home laptops.

Step 5: Lenovo, HP, and Dell Laptop Users — Important Note

Manufacturers cannot disable S mode manually. BIOS changes, drivers, and factory resets do not unlock it.

Only Microsoft Store licensing removes S mode.

Step 6: Clean Install Windows 11 (Guaranteed Solution)

If all Store-based methods fail, a clean installation removes S mode permanently.

This method deletes all data.

Steps:

1. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
2. Create a bootable USB
3. Boot from the USB drive
4. Select Windows 11 Home during setup
5. Complete installation

The system installs without S mode.

What Will Not Fix This Issue

Avoid wasting time on these steps:

• wsreset.exe
• Store repair or reset loops
• Reset this PC
• Windows Update service restarts
• BIOS updates

They do not fix backend licensing failures.

Windows 11 S mode switching fails due to Microsoft Store entitlement issues, not system corruption. Creating a new Microsoft account or changing the Store region solves the problem in most cases. A clean installation remains the last and guaranteed fix.

If new changes affect the S mode switch process, updates will follow.