Microsoft is giving users of Windows 10 S extra time to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, allowing them to move away from Redmond’s cut-down operating system to the full-fat Windows experience.
The upgrade time frame has been pushed to March 31 2018, with Microsoft hoping it “provides increased flexibility for those people searching for the perfect back-to-school or holiday gift”.
But apply a dollop of cynicism and it could be argued Microsoft is extending the upgrade potentially due to the Chrome OS-like Windows 10 S not having as big of an appeal as traditional Windows.
Windows 10 S made its debut with Microsoft’s Surface Laptop, offering a slimmed-down OS that only runs apps found in the Windows Store, meaning users can immediately benefit from the massive range of software Windows usually supports.
The idea behind Windows 10 S was to provide a lightweight operating system for students to quickly get started with, though with the Surface Laptop Microsoft offered an immediate upgrade to Windows 10 Pro should its customers want to dive straight into the full Windows world.
“By exclusively using apps from the Windows Store, Windows 10 S is ideal for students, educators, creators, and businesses alike who prefer longer battery life, faster boot up time, and the peace of mind that comes with using apps that are Microsoft-verified,” Microsoft said when Windows 10 S made its debut earlier this year.
But in a blog post detailing new colours for the Surface Laptop beyond the US, Microsoft quietly announced the upgrade extension, which would suggest it’s not keen to shout about the continued free Windows upgrade.
Regardless of whether people opt to stick with Windows 10 S or upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, Microsoft still gets them into its Windows ecosystem, even if the former OS may not be quite as popular as Microsoft had first hoped.
Related: Microsoft Surface Pro review
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
