Windows 10 S was launched in 2017 as a scaled-back version of the operating system aimed at schools and businesses looking for a sandboxed environment. It can’t run any regular Windows programs, instead relying solely on apps from the Microsoft Store. According to Microsoft, this “guarantees” improved performance, manageability and security.
Earlier this year, leaked reports detailed Microsoft’s plan to discontinue Windows 10 S and launch Windows 10 “S Mode” in its place. While the naming is similar, there is a pronounced difference in the implementation of each platform. Whereas Windows 10 S is a standalone operating system, S Mode will be an optional feature for regular Windows 10 editions.
S Mode will enable any Windows 10 PC to be toggled into the Windows 10 S sandbox. This will make it simpler to transition to using Windows 10 S or, in the case of consumers, unlock the full Windows environment. Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore confirmed on Twitter that there will be no “distinct version” going forward.
The news is a logical next step for the still-young Windows 10 S concept. While the stated intentions of the operating system – improved performance, security and reliability – appear to benefit users, the reality of having no desktop apps still isn’t suitable for most customers.
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
READ NEXT: Apple could abandon iPhone X notch amid “sluggish demand”
Microsoft planned to work on Windows 10 S consumer hardware with its partners but few devices have actually launched. The majority of Windows 10 S products have been low-cost PCs aimed at education, where the ability to lockdown the platform is a welcome control for administrators.
While uptake of Windows 10 S is unknown, it can be presumed the platform’s not significantly impacted on Windows’ overall market share. Even the platform’s primary targets, such as schools and businesses, typically rely on pre-existing desktop software packages which aren’t compatible with the restrictive sandbox.
Belfiore hasn’t disclosed when the change will be made, only referencing a timeframe of “next year.” The near-term implications for Windows 10 S haven’t been explained, so it’s unclear whether customers can expect new device launches that utilise the platform.
It’s possible we’ll see more Windows 10 S hardware continue to trickle out in 2018, before Microsoft starts advertising an almost identically named – but substantially different – product. As marketing strategies go, this one seems like it could confuse consumers unless Microsoft clearly details how the changes will impact each version.
