Starting with Windows 10 version 1803 (Redstone 4), Microsoft will be changing its approach of “Windows 10 S.” Originally, Windows 10 S was a streamlined variant of Windows 10 Pro aimed for security, performance, and limited to the apps from the Microsoft Store. In the future, according to Thurrott, Microsoft will be removing “S,” and it’ll introduce “S Mode” for Windows 10 Pro as well as for Windows 10 Home and Enterprise.
Similar to the “S” variant, the new “S Mode” will be a locked down version of Windows 10 that runs modern apps from Store, but now, it’ll be like a feature more than a different version.
According to the report, Microsoft says that 60 percent of users usually remain on Windows 10 S, and those who switch, upgrade within the first day of setting up the device for the first time, and if they don’t switch in a week, then 83 percent stay on S.
Clearly this data shows that there’s an interest among users on a more restricted version of Windows 10, which could explain Microsoft’s new strategy, and could also indicate that S Mode is likely to come enabled by default in new devices.
Windows 10 Home and Education will include the ability to upgrade from “S Mode” to “Home” for free, but those running Windows 10 Pro on S Mode, Microsoft will charge $49.
It remains to be seen how Microsoft plans to execute the new approach to prevent confusion among consumers and hardware companies. Although, those running Windows 10 Home will have a way to switch for free, it may not be well received by consumers who will have to pay extra to switch on premium devices.
What do you think about Microsoft’s plans with Windows 10 on S Mode? Tell us in the comments.
