Microsoft has detailed how it’s planning to repackage Windows 10 S, following its decision to kill off the streamlined build back in February.
Windows 10 S was built to rival Chrome OS, offering businesses and educational facilities a refined operating system that’s a little safer and more controlled than the traditional consumer build of Windows 10 – but it failed to catch on.
Now Microsoft has revealed that it axed Windows 10 S in favour of an ‘S Mode’ that will live inside Windows 10, letting customers access a host of basic functions, before forcing them to upgrade to take advantage of more advanced tools.
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That isn’t too dissimilar to how Windows 7 Starter worked: Users could access a compact version of Windows 7, but had to sell out for Windows 7 Home Premium to a more technical set of functions, like the option to alter default applications.
We use Win10S as an option for schools or businesses that want the 'low-hassle'/ guaranteed performance version. Next year 10S will be a "mode" of existing versions, not a distinct version. SO … I think it's totally fine/good that it's not mentioned.
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) March 7, 2018
It’s unclear whether Windows 10 S Mode will suffer from the same pitfalls as Windows 10 S, which, as we outlined in our comparison, is a little too restricted – it’s impossible to alter the default web browser and search engine, for example.
Do you think S Mode is a good idea? Let us know your thoughts over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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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.