### Preflight Checklist - [x] I have searched [existing issues](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3Abug) and this hasn't been reported yet - [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs) - [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code ### What's Wrong? The Claude Desktop installer refuses to install, displaying the error: "Windows S Mode must be disabled to install Claude." The machine is not running W

[BUG] Claude Desktop installer falsely detects Windows S Mode on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC

Status Fixed / completed

Maintainer reply None cached

Workaround ✓ Mentioned in thread ↓

Activity 15 comments · opened Feb 12, 2026 · closed Aug 25, 2026

Preflight Checklist

[x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
[x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
[x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

The Claude Desktop installer refuses to install, displaying the error:

"Windows S Mode must be disabled to install Claude."

The machine is not running Windows S Mode. It is running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, which has an EditionID registry value of IoTEnterpriseS at HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.
The installer appears to be checking for the presence of "S" in the EditionID string and incorrectly concluding that the OS is in S Mode. The trailing "S" in IoTEnterpriseS refers to the LTSC subscription variant, not S Mode.

What Should Happen?

The installer should install normally. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is a full-featured Windows edition with no S Mode restrictions. Non-Store applications install and run without issue. install

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

On a Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 machine, download the Claude Desktop installer
Run the installer
Installer immediately shows "Windows S Mode must be disabled to install Claude" and refuses to proceed

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

Latest claude desktop

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows 10 LTS

Terminal/Shell

Windows Terminal

Additional Information

_No response_

View original on GitHub ↗

15 Comments

sb057 · 6 months ago

Reproducible on Windows 11 IoT LTSC which also has an EditionID of "IoTEnterpriseS". This can be confirmed to be the bug by removing the "S" in regedit, at which point the installer will proceed as normal.

Anonymo · 6 months ago

I got around this by installing the MSIX package from here: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12622703-deploy-claude-desktop-for-windows

Sergeii99 · 6 months ago

i have the version 2021 of LTSC and the above solution doesnt work

initself · 6 months ago

Get me out of this nightmare! ;)

6monthpeek · 6 months ago

+1 im living same thing.

cods4 · 6 months ago

installing the msix version worked for me. Fresh install of Windows 11 LTSC IOT

Pageworkers · 6 months ago

The problem is co-work is not working

This worked for me:

Open elevated PowerShell:

reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID

You’ll get:

EditionID    REG_SZ    IoTEnterpriseS

2. TEMPORARILY change it

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID /t REG_SZ /d IoTEnterprise /f

3. Run Claude Setup.exe

Let it fully install.

4. Restore original value
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID /t REG_SZ /d IoTEnterpriseS /f
5. Reboot

Done.

Leerz · 6 months ago

what kind of simplistic issue is this lol, we building end to end apps and the installer cant handle the S letter what

aymanbismail · 6 months ago

+1 Confirmed on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC.

The Setup.exe incorrectly detects S Mode (EditionID = IoTEnterpriseS).

Installing via the official MSIX package resolves the issue without registry changes.

https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12622703-deploy-claude-desktop-for-windows

HeNine · 5 months ago

Tried installing via MSIX. Install ran without errors, but the app wouldn't run. When I clicked the app in the start menu, nothing happened.

offxev · 5 months ago

we have gotten to the point of software engineering where a single letter in the windows product edition causes a app to completely break down and not work

DeadMate · 5 months ago

It's been 2 weeks since the issue appeared. Still doesn't work on my LTSC Windows

kratochviljan · 5 months ago

well, probably the installer has been writen by Claude...

Edition Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC
Version 21H2
Installed on ‎06.‎01.‎2023
OS Build 19044.6937

darBis · 5 months ago

Can confirm workaround mentioned by @Pageworkers allowed me to install on Win10 21H2 Enterprise LTSC (EditionID=EnterpriseS) using the default installer. App is working correctly. I have MS Store installed and "developer mode" enabled in windows settings too. I don't know if these are necessary for the workaround to work.

thunderch888 · 5 months ago

The same problem occurred a week ago, and today Claude Desktop prompted me to update. The directly downloaded installation package can be installed normally.
-
Edition Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC
Version 21H2
OS Build 19044.7058