14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is converting Windows 10 S from a stand-alone SKU of the operating system to a simple mode that will be available with all the other versions, but the company is also making some changes to the way users can perform upgrades.
Basically, users who purchased Windows 10 S devices were allowed to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro either free of charge, thanks to a promo offered by Microsoft, or for $49. Microsoft also set a time limit for the $49 upgrade, so users had little time to decide whether the full OS version was needed or not.
But with Windows 10 S becoming a mode of Windows 10, Microsoft will allow users to upgrade to the full version of Windows 10 free of charge. Only that the end destination won’t be Windows 10 Pro, but Windows 10 Home, and it will be offered without a time limit.
WindowsCentral writes that moving from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro will still cost $49, but for the majority of users, the Home SKU is enough to unleash the full power of their systems.
Limited to Microsoft Store apps
This is clearly a welcome improvement for Windows 10 S users, as they can always switch to a more capable version of the operating system, no matter how much time has passed since they purchased the device.
Windows 10 S Mode will restrict the use of Windows 10 to Microsoft Store apps exclusively, so installing Win32 software would not be allowed. This is more of an evolved version of Windows RT, and it is specifically aimed at users who want more control over the software running on their devices, as it’s the case of schools and educators.
Microsoft Store apps typically provide better performance and increased security, but for power users, not being able to install Win32 software is a deal breaker. So Microsoft might be playing the right card here by allowing the free upgrade to Windows 10 Home, though it remains to be seen how many systems would end up running the S Mode.