The operating system that was designed to kill Chrome OS is almost dying. After rumors last month that suggested Microsoft was turning its education-focused Windows 10 S from a dedicated operating system into a \”mode\” in existing versions of Windows 10, the Redmond software maker has now confirmed these rumors.
The new Windows 10 S Mode will be made available next year, according to Microsoft\’s Joe Belfiore. \”Next year 10S will be a \”mode\” of existing versions, not a distinct version,\” Belfiore announced today on Twitter.
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
The confirmation wouldn\’t surprise anyone since the operating system was never appreciated by Windows 10 users. Windows 10 S was locked down to only run UWP apps from the Microsoft Store – not a favorite place for Windows users. This strategy, while making the operating system more secure, also significantly limited its usage.
Earlier rumors: Windows 10 S Mode will be shipped with Home, Enterprise, and Pro
The new Windows 10 S mode coming next year will work exactly like the dedicated OS version did – limiting usage to apps from the Store. However, it will be shipped with the regular Windows 10 Home, Enterprise and Pro versions instead of a standalone choice.
Introduced as a Chrome OS competitor, Windows 10 S was offered on low-priced machines by Microsoft and its OEM partners for as little as $189. These operating systems are actually popular in the educational market since setting a new account up takes a few minutes and are considered ideal for an environment with constantly changing users. However, while Chrome OS gets access to Google\’s Chrome Web Store and Play Store, Microsoft\’s Windows 10 S was limited to Microsoft Store.
Belfiore hasn\’t confirmed, but rumors had also suggested that the devices shipped with Windows 10 S could disable Windows 10 S and get Home for free, while the Windows 10 Pro will need $49 for full access. The company has yet to confirm these details, but considering the launch of S Mode is still a year away, it has a long time to strategize how it\’s going to market and sell Windows 10 S Mode.
So far, it is clear that S Mode will offer a \”low hassle / guaranteed performance\” version of Windows 10 to schools and businesses. Windows 10 S, as launched last May, will not continue as a separate operating system.