#1025 – What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?

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#1025 - What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?
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That's this month's discount code for 20% off anything in the Ask Leo! Store.

S Mode?

If you don't know what I'm talking about, be grateful. It's a mode where your access to software is restricted to only what's available in the Microsoft Store, and where you cannot change the default browser away from Edge.

It's intended to be a security feature (hence the "S").

The good news: it only comes enabled on some new machines, it's often a choice at purchase time. The better news? You can turn it off.

What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It? has the details.

Also this week

  • Changing your password isn't enough. Really.
  • Startup repair to repair, well, start up.
  • The mess that is moving address books / contacts.
  • Reading comprehension.

As always, links below.

TEH Podcast

MORE last minute schedule conflicts, so no podcast. I guess we're taking an unscheduled "summer hiatus".

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?

What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?
It's Microsoft protecting you. Again.

S-mode is an additional set of restrictions in Windows that is intended to protect you. Most people want it off.
Read: What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

Changing Your Password After a Hack May Not Be Enough
There's more to account security than the password.

Changing Your Password After a Hack May Not Be Enough
Changing your password is a common response to account hacks. Unfortunately, it isn't enough.
Read: Changing Your Password After a Hack May Not Be Enough

-

Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11
When your machine just can't anymore.

Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11
Startup repair is a useful tool built into Windows setup media and recovery disks. I'll walk through how to use it and what to do if it fails.
Read: Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11

-

How Do I Move My Address Book From One Provider to Another?
You'd think, after all this time, it would be easier.

How Do I Move My Address Book From One Provider to Another?
Taking your contacts with you when moving from one platform to another is a clumsy process.
Read: How Do I Move My Address Book From One Provider to Another?

-

Get Better, Faster Answers by Reading What's in Front of You
My vent can make things better for you.

Get Better, Faster Answers by Reading What
I vent a little about people missing what's right in front of them (including myself) and then discuss why taking the time to read what your machine is telling you is so important to a less frustrating experience with your technology.
Read: Get Better, Faster Answers by Reading What's in Front of You

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Subscribe to Ask Leo! on YouTube to get the latest on YouTube.com. Your subscription (and "Likes") help others find Ask Leo!, and the answers they're looking for.

Get Better, Faster Answers by Reading What's in Front of You

I vent a little about people missing what's right in front of them (including myself) and then discuss why taking the time to read what your machine is telling you is so important to a less frustrating experience with your technology.
Watch: Get Better, Faster Answers by Reading What's in Front of You

-

How Do I Move My Address Book From One Provider to Another?

Taking your contacts with you when moving from one platform to another is a clumsy process.
Watch: How Do I Move My Address Book From One Provider to Another?

-

Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11

Startup repair is a useful tool built into Windows setup media and recovery disks. I'll walk through how to use it and what to do if it fails.
Watch: Using Startup Repair in Windows 10 and 11

-

What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?

S-mode is an additional set of restrictions in Windows that is intended to protect you. Most people want to get rid of it.
Watch: What is S-Mode and How Do I Get Rid of It?

-

Changing Your Password After a Hack May Not Be Enough

Changing your password is a common response to account hacks. Unfortunately, it isn't enough.
Watch: Changing Your Password After a Hack May Not Be Enough

All About OneDrive - Online Course

All About OneDrive - Online Course

OneDrive is both incredibly powerful and at times incredibly confusing. It includes a bucket-load of features to help you back up, share, collaborate, stay safe, and more.

All About OneDrive covers OneDrive's features and its peculiarities so you can use it to the fullest.

(Silver level patrons and above: All About OneDrive is included in your patronage. If you don't see it in your My Account page, just ask.)

More details in the Ask Leo! store: All About OneDrive - Online Course


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Posted: July 9, 2024 in: 2024
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/9117
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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.