14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 S, Microsoft’s special version of Windows 10 that’s restricted to Microsoft Store apps, will soon be converted from a standalone OS SKU to just a mode.
While news in this regard surfaced last month, Microsoft has until now remained tight-lipped on such plans, as Windows 10 S is part of the company’s education offensive against Chromebooks and Apple devices.
But Joe Belfiore, who was previously the go-to person for everything Windows Phone and is now part of the Operating System Group at Microsoft, has recently confirmed the transition from standalone SKU to Windows 10 mode in a tweet a few hours ago, adding that the move is on the table for 2019.
“We use Win10S as an option for schools or businesses that want the 'low-hassle'/ guaranteed performance version. Next year 10S will be a ‘mode’ of existing versions, not a distinct version,” Joe Belfiore explained in a tweet.
Windows 10 S Mode
Windows 10 S is currently installed on Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop, though users are provided with the option of upgrading to Windows 10 Pro completely free of charge. Also powering devices from third-parties, Windows 10 S can also be upgraded to the full version of Windows 10 for a small fee.
With Windows 10 S becoming S Mode in 2019, Microsoft is aiming to give educators more control over their systems. Windows 10 S is currently advertised as the most secure version of Windows 10, as Win32 software, which is often used for distributing malware and compromising Windows hosts, is blocked.
Rumor has it that upgrading from Windows 10 with S Mode enabled to full Windows 10 Home will be available free of charge, and there’s a chance a small fee would be required for the switch to Windows 10 Pro. It’s not yet known, however, if Microsoft still wants to offer Windows 10 with S Mode enabled by default or launch new devices running it, but given its education push, this does seem to make sense.
We use Win10S as an option for schools or businesses that want the 'low-hassle'/ guaranteed performance version. Next year 10S will be a "mode" of existing versions, not a distinct version. SO … I think it's totally fine/good that it's not mentioned. — Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) March 7, 2018