Windows 11 S Mode Printer Setup: What Works and What Doesn't

Many budget laptops ship with Windows 11 in S mode, and the first time people notice is when the printer’s setup program refuses to run. The good news is that a Windows 11 S mode printer setup usually works without that program. Windows has its own printer support built in, and most current printers can be added straight from Settings. This guide shows how, explains what S mode blocks, and helps you decide whether switching out of S mode is worth it.

What S mode changes

Microsoft describes Windows 11 in S mode as a version of Windows designed for security and performance. The main rule is simple: Windows 11 in S mode only works with compatible apps from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft also says S mode is only available in the Windows 11 Home edition.

For printers, that rule has a clear effect:

• Blocked: setup programs downloaded from a printer maker’s website, full driver packages that come as installers, and old installation discs.
• Allowed: Windows’ own built-in printer support, drivers Windows installs itself, and apps from the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft’s FAQ adds that many accessories and peripherals, such as printers, that work with Windows 11 also work with Windows 11 in S mode, but might have limited functionality. In practice, that limited functionality usually means missing extras such as maker scanning tools or maintenance utilities.

Check whether you are in S mode

Open Settings, System, About. Under Windows specifications, the edition reads Windows 11 Home in S mode if S mode is on. You can also see it under Settings, System, Activation.

Step 1: connect the printer

• Wi-Fi printers: join the printer to your home Wi-Fi using its control panel, WPS or Wi-Fi Direct. Many maker apps for phones can also do this, so you do not need the PC for this step. See our wireless printer setup guide.
• USB printers: plug the printer in with a USB cable and turn it on.

Step 2: add the printer in Settings

1. Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners.
2. Select Add device.
3. Wait for the printer to appear, then select Add device next to its name.
4. If it does not appear, select Add manually and add it by IP address. Our guide to finding a printer’s IP address shows how to get it.

Windows uses its built-in support where it can. Microsoft’s Windows Ready Print lets Windows talk to Mopria-certified printers without a maker’s driver, which suits S mode well. You can check whether your printer is certified on the Mopria Alliance’s certified products list. For background, see driverless printing explained.

For USB printers, Windows often adds the printer as soon as you plug it in. If it does not, open Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, Optional updates and look for a printer driver; our guide to installing a printer driver in Windows 11 explains this route.

If Windows adds the printer with a generic name

Sometimes Windows adds a printer with a generic name or a basic driver rather than the exact model. That is normal for driverless printing and usually prints fine. You can rename the printer from its page in Printers & scanners so it is easy to recognise. If an important option is missing, such as a paper tray or a special paper type, check Optional updates for a model-specific driver before considering leaving S mode. Our guide to setting a default printer also explains how to stop Windows switching to another printer.

Step 3: print a test page

Select the printer in Printers & scanners, open Printer properties or the printer’s page and choose Print test page. Then set your everyday defaults, such as paper size and two-sided printing; see how to change default print settings in Windows 11.

Scanning and ink tools in S mode

The parts most likely to be missing are the maker’s extras:

• Scanning: try the Windows Scan app from the Microsoft Store, which works with many all-in-ones through Windows’ own scanning support. Our printer scanner setup guide covers it.
• Maker apps: several printer makers publish apps in the Microsoft Store. Search the Store for your printer’s brand; install only the publisher’s genuine app.
• Ink levels and maintenance: many printers show these on their control panel or in their web page, which you can open in Edge by typing the printer’s IP address. See how to access a printer’s web interface.

When the built-in route is not enough

Some printers, usually older ones or specialist models, have no driver available through Windows and need the maker’s full software. In that case your choices are:

1. Use a phone instead. Many maker apps on iPhone and Android can print and scan without any PC software.
2. Switch out of S mode. Microsoft’s steps are: open Settings, System, Activation; in the Switch to Windows 11 Pro section, select Go to the Store (not the Upgrade your edition of Windows link, which keeps you in S mode); then select Get on the Store page.

Before you switch, know the trade-off. Microsoft says switching out of S mode is one-way: it is free, but you cannot go back. You will be able to install software from anywhere, which also means taking more care about what you install.

Choosing a printer for an S mode PC

If you are buying a printer for a laptop that will stay in S mode, a few checks before you buy save trouble later:

• Look for Mopria certification or Windows driverless support. A Mopria-certified printer can be added through Windows Ready Print with no maker software. Search the Mopria certified products list for the exact model.
• Check the maker’s Microsoft Store app. If you want scanning or ink levels on the PC, search the Store for the maker’s app and read its description to confirm it supports your model.
• Prefer a printer with a screen. A control panel lets you join Wi-Fi, print reports and run maintenance without any PC software at all.
• Be wary of printers that require a desktop installer. If the maker’s instructions say setup must be done from a downloaded program, setup on an S mode PC may need a phone app instead, or switching out of S mode.

Common S mode printer problems

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do
Setup file will not open	S mode blocks non-Store apps	Add the printer in Settings instead
Printer adds but cannot scan	No maker scanning tool	Try Windows Scan, or the maker’s Store app
Printer not found	Network or discovery issue	Add by IP address; check same Wi-Fi
Error installing driver	Driver package missing	See printer error 0x8007007e

For a full walkthrough of the Windows 11 printer screens, see how to add a printer in Windows 11.