Windows in 'S' mode

My auto run isn't activating no matter what I do

No matter what I try I cannot get my autorun to start?

Yip, no matter how many times you download, redownload, zip, unzip and double click on that CD icon you wont get access to our signature interface... yes we know it's just a tad frustrating 😞

The only occasion you will not get the 'Windows protected my PC' splash screen when you first try to run your digital download, is when you are running a 'sleek, and trimmed back' version of Windows.

You will still be able to access the docs, just like your fellow crafters who use Chromebook, Mac or Android, but then if you want to run the 'Autorun.exe' software we use, you'll need to switch out of 'S' mode

Is this safe? I'm not too sure

We totally appreciate your concerns, especially in these days of scams, hacks and identity theft, however as we have said before, we would not put our customers in danger with anything we sell

The Autorun function is an ‘executable’ program that effectively ‘tells’ the operating system what to do, hence why, potentially, this kind of program can be used nefariously. To try to stop this from happening Microsoft offer certain software publishers to ‘certificate’ their programs, for a charge, so before you ask, I’ll answer, small operations and private businesses don’t even try to get certification because of the potential time and charges involved.

The solution is……?

OK, let's look at this more holistically, Microsoft are trying to protect their customers from using non-certificated software, potentially saving them for harm to their machines, or worse. However, if you have a device shipped with Windows 10 or 11 in Home or Pro versions this option isn't even offered, and although we certainly do encourage you to do your own research on this using the best information the internet's search engines have to offer, the existing checks and balances that Windows own built in anti virus and security solution, Defender offers has your back.

To switch out of 'S' mode, there are an absolute myriad of help files on line, including from Microsoft themselves, to safely guide you through the process. You can find more details below:

From Microsoft - https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/switching-out-of-s-mode-in-windows-4f56d9be-99ec-6983-119f-031bfb28a307#windowsversion=windows_11

As ever, if you need a helping hand, drop us an email to hello@thecraftywitches.co.uk