Microsoft's decision to turn Windows 10 S into a mode instead of an ordinary OS version

Windows 10 S is being converted into a mode, running on Windows 10 Home and Pro instead of a separate OS. What does that mean and what will it change?

News recently said Windows 10 S will turn into a mode running on other versions of Windows 10 like Home or Pro has caused many confusion for users. Some say that Windows 10 S is dead, while some say Windows 10 S will become the default option on Windows 10.

Microsoft is about to give up Windows 10 S, replacing it with S Mode

Take a deep look at the changes that this decision made by Microsoft on their desktop OS.

Windows 10 S does not (not yet) die

Microsoft didn't leave Windows 10 S. In fact, this year, we'll see more PCs running Windows 10 S when Microsoft doesn't show signs of stopping, just that they change the way Windows S is delivered to vendors. Export (OEM).

Turning Windows 10 S into a mode will be easier for hardware manufacturers

Previously, this OS was a separate version of Windows 10, along with Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. Manufacturers can choose 1 of 3 OS. Now Microsoft releases Windows 10 S as a separate version and converts it into a mode, running on Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

This means that the manufacturer can choose one of the two old OS versions, and choose whether or not S mode is turned on by default. Theoretically this makes it easier for manufacturers to access Windows 10 S, users can easily switch to S mode and the Home or Pro version 'has not been unlocked'.

Turning Windows 10 S into mode also helps extend S to computer manufacturers, they can install a copy of Windows and still add 10 S to it. So Microsoft's decision didn't kill Windows 10 S, but it made it easier to popularize.

Windows 10 S will not be enabled by default

S mode does not affect the current Windows 10 installation. This means that if you are using Home or Pro, you are not forced to switch to S mode when updating.

Microsoft does not force manufacturers to make S mode the default mode. In fact, it would be cheaper for OEMs to put it on hardware. OEMs are also not required to use S mode, which means that OEM partners such as Dell or HP may continue to sell Windows machines without the S mode.

Microsoft wants them to choose Windows 10 with S mode but doesn't mean they will have to. Windows 10 Home with S mode will be cheaper than no S version but hardware manufacturers can still pay more if they want to leave S mode, and the Pro version too.

This means that you will find many machines with Windows 10 S cheaper. This helps Microsoft bring Windows 10 S to more devices and gives users the opportunity to upgrade without paying extra.

Upgrade from Windows 10 S for free

Previously, upgrading from Windows 10 S to 'full version' of Windows 10 will cost you $ 49. The reason is because Windows 10 S is a lower version of Windows 10 Pro, so upgrading is like paying a license fee for the full Pro version.

More convenient in converting and upgrading OS

Now that it has become S mode, upgrading from S mode Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Pro without S mode will still cost $ 49, but upgrading from Windows 10 Home in S mode to Windows 10 Home will no charge.

1. How to try Windows 10 S for free safely?
2. How to upgrade Windows S operating system to Pro version

Users will no longer have the pressure to upgrade to the full version immediately. The upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro is only free for a period of time so many people find it necessary to upgrade immediately. But now Windows 10 Home in S mode upgrade to Windows 10 Home is free so there will be no time pressure.

Windows 10 S users will still use Windows 10 S

If you are currently using Windows 10 S then these changes will not affect. You're still running Windows 10 S on your computer, just the OS will be called Windows 10 Pro in S mode, all the benefits of Windows S remain the same.

See more:

1. Windows 10 S can be unlocked by Smartphone
2. Windows 10 S "worth buying"?
3. Microsoft launches Windows 10 S "massive" investment for education