If, on the other hand, you frequently find yourself clicking "Yes" on pop-up ads or asking your grandkids to "fix the computer," you should stay in S Mode. The safest system is the one that limits what you can do. For the average competent adult, though, leaving S Mode isn't just safe—it’s the first step toward actually using your computer to its full potential.
To understand the safety implications of leaving S Mode, you must understand why S Mode is considered "safe" in the first place. S Mode only allows applications from the Microsoft Store. These apps are sandboxed (restricted from accessing system files) and vetted by Microsoft. Furthermore, S Mode forces all browsing through Microsoft Edge, which blocks known malicious websites.
Switching out of S Mode is not unsafe; what you do after the switch determines your safety. The danger is not that Windows becomes vulnerable—Windows 11 still has Defender Antivirus, firewalls, and security updates outside of S Mode. The danger is that you lose the filter .