Overview
Safe Mode (also known as S Mode) locks down your entire Operating System to prevent you from running any unsafe apps without your knowledge. It works a little differently depending on the device you're using.
On Windows/Mac computers, you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store or the Apple App Store, and you can only browse the web using Microsoft Edge or Safari. On Android phones and tablets, your device only starts with applications that were already installed when you first purchased it.
It may be of use to consumers who aren't very tech-savvy, and prone to downloading malware and viruses regularly. Safe Mode limits the functionality of your device, and only offers apps that are always safe to run.
Windows
If you see this warning message when you attempt to install VirtualShield VPN or VirtualShield Antivirus, you may need to disable Safe Mode first. You can switch out of Safe Mode at any time, if you wish to install applications outside of the Microsoft Store.
Do so at your own risk. Disabling Safe Mode may make your device unsafe to threats. Only download files and install applications if you can trust the source.
Disable Safe Mode
How to disable Safe Mode on your Windows computer:
Click the 
Start button, and open Settings.
This article only applies to Windows 10 or later. On older versions of Windows, you do not need to disable Safe Mode.
Navigate to Update & Security > Activation from the left column.
Find the section labeled Switch to Windows Home, or Switch to Windows Pro, then select Go to the Store.
On the Switch out of S Mode screen that appears, click the Get button.
That's it! You will now be able to install our Windows application, along with other apps outside of the Microsoft Store.
macOS
If you see this warning message when you attempt to install VirtualShield VPN or VirtualShield Antivirus, you may need to disable Safe Mode first. You can switch out of Safe Mode at any time, if you wish to install applications outside of the Apple App Store.
Do so at your own risk. Disabling Safe Mode may make your device unsafe to threats. Only download files and install applications if you can trust the source.
Disable Safe Mode
How to disable Safe Mode on your Mac computer:
Open your Settings app. It looks like a 
gear shaped icon.
This article only applies to macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. On older versions of macOS, you do not need to disable Safe Mode.
Navigate to Privacy & Security > Security.
Next to Allow applications downloaded from, choose App Store and identified developers.
That's it! You will now be able to install our macOS application, along with other apps outside of the Apple App Store.
Android
If you experience any issues installing VirtualShield or other Android apps, you may need to disable Safe Mode first. You can switch out of Safe Mode at any time, if you wish to install applications from of the Google Play Store.
Do so at your own risk. Disabling Safe Mode may make your device unsafe to threats. Only download files and install applications if you can trust the source.
Disable Safe Mode
How to disable Safe Mode on your Android phone/tablet:
In most cases, you can simply restart your device to exit Safe Mode. If that doesn't work, proceed by trying the steps provided below.
This article only applies to Android 7.0 or later. On older versions of Android, you do not need to disable Safe Mode.
Turn off your device. Once it is powered off, press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons to open up Recovery Mode.
Once in Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to navigate to Start, then press the Power button to restart the device.
That's it! You will now be able to install our Android application, along with other apps from the Google Play Store.
Common Questions
Is this required to install VirtualShield?
No, in most cases disabling Safe Mode is not required. It is only recommended if you receive any warnings, or if you are instructed to do so by our support team.
Why can't I see this option on my device?
If you can't find this option, it's possible Safe Mode is already disabled. You may also need to log in to an Administrator account first, before you can disable Safe Mode.
I still can't install the app, what should I do?
First we recommend following each of the steps in our Troubleshooting article, to see if it solves the issue. If that doesn't work, contact our support team for assistance.