Windows 10 S will become a "mode" of Windows 10 next year

[Shawn Knight]

Microsoft VP Joe Belfiore recently confirmed via Twitter that starting next year, Windows 10 S will be a “mode” within existing versions of Windows rather than the standalone OS it is today.

Windows 10 S is a feature-limited edition of Windows 10 for low-end devices that was meant to compete with Google’s lightweight Chrome OS in the classroom. Notably, the OS only allows for the installation of software from the Windows Store, severely limiting its usefulness.

Many wrote the OS off as the modern version of Windows RT – in other words, it wouldn’t last. Given Belfiore’s comment, it looks as though critics weren’t exactly wrong.

Word broke a month ago that Microsoft was planning to bake an “S Mode” into Windows 10. Around the same time, Thurrott reported some interesting usage figures that might give a clue as to why Microsoft intends to shelve the dedicated S version.

According to the site, 60 percent of buyers stuck with Windows 10 S upon purchase. If a user does decide to switch to Windows 10 Pro, it happens almost immediately – within the first 24 hours of ownership for 60 percent of those that switch. Should a user not jump ship within the first week of ownership, they’ll stick with Windows 10 S 83 percent of the time.

Unfortunately, Belfiore’s comment came with little context so we’re missing some key details. And considering the change isn’t scheduled to happen until next year, it’ll probably be a while before we get all the pertinent information.

Images courtesy MSPoweruser

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https://www.techspot.com/news/73606-windows-10-s-become-mode-windows-10-next.html

 

[Nobina]

Wasn't a fan of this as a separate OS but as a mode where you can switch between this version and a standard one should be good.

 

[seeprime]

Wasn't a fan of this as a separate OS but as a mode where you can switch between this version and a standard one should be good.

You can do this right now with Windows 10 Pro. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. Under “Installing Apps”, you can select “Allow apps from the Store only”. The advantage with the current system, which no one seems to know exists, is that you can load programs like LibreOffice and all the drivers you want, then you can change the installation mode.

 

[captaincranky]

Wasn't a fan of this as a separate OS but as a mode where you can switch between this version and a standard one should be good.

And if a tablet that used to cost $100.00 will now cost $150.00 because of the full version of Windows installed. the only person or entity that would benefit is M$.

That was the only reason for the feature limited "S" version to begin with, to lower cost to the consumer for low end devices.

 

[captaincranky]

You can do this right now with Windows 10 Pro. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. Under “Installing Apps”, you can select “Allow apps from the Store only”. The advantage with the current system, which no one seems to know exists, is that you can load programs like LibreOffice and all the drivers you want, then you can change the installation mode.

Consider me sort of slow, but why on earth would you want or need to do that, when you can control who installs what in your computer with limited user accounts?

Given that we've had articles concerning apps being pulled from Google and Apple stores because of malware (IIRC), can the Windows store be far behind?

 

[Kibaruk]

I am however interested in the S version, awesome that we will be able to switch between the 2. They could just call it something like Windows 10 Light... or what not.

 

[seeprime]

Consider me sort of slow, but why on earth would you want or need to do that, when you can control who installs what in your computer with limited user accounts?

Given that we've had articles concerning apps being pulled from Google and Apple stores because of malware (IIRC), can the Windows store be far behind?

If you do any support work for someone in their 80's, you'd want to do this.

 

[captaincranky]

If you do any support work for someone in their 80's, you'd want to do this.

Point taken.

But, as I understood it, the Windows S edition didn't force updates on you, (big question?), but just as importantly, it cost manufactures less to buy per install, which brings me back to my original question, as to whether or not, mighty M$ is going to keep its pants dropped on the price of the OS for small devices, or are people looking forward to a round of price hikes on their next throw away tablet?