Third-Party Antivirus, Backup Software Also Banned on Windows 10 S

Windows 10 S was launched with much fanfare last month by Microsoft, and the majority of users know that this operating system SKU is restricted to apps in the Windows Store.

In reality, however, Windows 10 S ships with many more restrictions, and some of them could actually be real deal breakers for developers or enterprises who considered switching to this OS version.

ZDNet published an in-depth look at Windows 10 S, explaining that Windows 10 S limitations do not necessarily come down to Windows Store apps.

Additionally, several Windows components are blocked from executing, including tools like Command Prompt, PowerShell, the Registry Editor and several others. The report points out that cmd.exe can’t run interactively in Windows 10 S, and this is quite a problem for IT pros.

Third-party antivirus blocked completely

Windows 10 S does not allow driver packages that come with non-Microsoft UI components and applications, which means that enterprises that use to modify packages to add support for other solutions or to integrated configuration utilities can no longer do that.

A Windows 10 S device is also blocked from joining a Windows Domain, and Microsoft also bans some applications from being published in the Windows Store, such as browsers, unless they are rewritten to be based on the Microsoft Edge engine.

And last but not least, Microsoft doesn’t actually allow certain categories of software in the Windows Store, including here third-party antivirus and backup solutions. This means that no other antivirus beside Windows Defender can be used on Windows 10 S, even if security vendors find a way to bring them to the Windows Store.

Windows 10 S is an operating system that is primarily aimed at the education market and is powering Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop, as well as other devices created by partners like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. Fortunately, Windows 10 S does support upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, and Microsoft itself is offering the upgrade free of charge if performed until December 31 on its own devices.