Microsoft introduced the Windows 10 S back in September aimed at computing with Chromebooks and education customers restricting them to running Microsoft Store apps. However, the company is now said to be ditching the S OS for a new “S Mode” for Windows 10 Home, Enterprise, and Pro according to Neowin.
Essentially, the new S-mode will lock down any copy of Windows 10, so it can only run apps from the Microsoft Store. Basically, it does what a Windows 10 S dedicated OS should do. According to a report, Microsoft claims that 60% of users remain on Windows 10 S, instead of switching to Windows 10 Pro free of charge. But, if they do switch, it is within 24hrs of having the device, but if they don’t switch in the first seven days, 83% remain running in S mode.
Windows 10 S will no longer be an SKU offered by Microsoft. Instead, they will offer the S mode for all iterations of Windows 10. Microsoft is reportedly planning to let Windows 10 Home S users upgrade to the Home Mode free of charge, however, Windows 10 Pro customers with S Mode enabled will have to pay $49 to get access to a full version of Windows 10 Pro.
The Pro S mode is only available with Core, Value, Entry, and Small Tablet with Core+. Microsoft says that there will be AV/Security apps in S mode. This approach is very new, and Microsoft needs to plan their promotional content carefully without risking any confusion among ordinary users.