Though they'll be able to install other browsers from Store

May 3, 2017 04:43 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft launched Windows 10 S in a press conference on May 2 as the latest version of its operating system that’s limited to Windows Store apps, and in a FAQ published a few minutes ago, the company discusses more about the restrictions that are implemented in this release.

Users will not be allowed to change the default browser in Windows 10 S, the company has revealed, though it will be possible to download other browsers from the Windows Store.

Of course, options when it comes to browsers are still limited because the top programs like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox haven’t yet been ported to the Windows Store.

Search engine also locked to Bing

In addition to the browser, users will also not be allowed to change the default search engine, so they’ll have to stick with Bing unless they upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

“Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on Microsoft 10 S. You are able to download another browser that might be available from the Windows Store, but Microsoft Edge will remain the default if, for example, you open an .htm file. Additionally, the default search provider in Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer cannot be changed,” the company explains (note that the software giant refers to Windows 10 S as “Microsoft 10 S,” but that’s most likely a mistake and it’ll be fixed soon).

Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro can be done from the Windows Store, and for Surface Laptop buyers, the whole thing is free if performed before December 31. The company hasn’t revealed how much the upgrade is going to cost for Surface Laptop customers beginning with 2018.

For everyone else buying a Windows 10 S device, the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro is available for $49, Microsoft also announced during its press conference.