Microsoft unveiled a slew of new products yesterday, including new Surface laptops and a new-ish operating system called Windows 10 S.
What is Windows 10 S?
Windows 10 S is a configuration of Windows 10 Pro which was essentially designed for students. Microsoft says that their teams traveled the world to talk with school administrators, teachers, and students using Windows in the classroom. According to what teachers told them, one thing was consistent—kids can get distracted easily and don’t always follow direction.
Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, says “Everything that runs on Windows 10 S is downloaded from the Windows Store.” This means that you won’t be able to install or download apps or programs to your Windows 10 S device if it’s not found in the Windows Store. The aim of this is to streamline the OS for low-end devices and education.
The thought process behind restricting app and program installs is that it will improve security, battery life and performance of devices running the OS.
How is it different compared to Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?
| Configuration & features | Windows 10 S | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Windows Store applications | X | X | |
| Domain Join on premise | X | ||
| Azure AD domain join | X | X | |
| Windows Store Apps | X | X | X |
| Default browser hardened to Microsoft Edge | X | Configurable | Configurable |
| Windows Update for Business | X | X | |
| Windows Store for Business | X | X | |
| Mobile Device Management (MDM) | X | Limited | X |
| Bitlocker | X | X | |
| Enterprise state roaming with Azure AD | X | X | |
| Shared PC Configuration | X | X |
Microsoft has said that you will be able to upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro for a US$49 fee. The switch is a one-way move which means that once you swap over, you won’t be able to go back to Windows 10 S.
Local availability for Windows 10 S has not yet been confirmed.
