If you’ve purchased a new Windows Surface laptop you may have noticed Windows 10 S comes already enabled. Microsoft has also announced recently that, “Windows 10 S” will now become “Windows 10 in S mode” and will be available on all Windows 10 versions. Understandably it’s slightly confusing, so we have some info on the basics of what Windows 10 in S mode is and what to expect, firstly the “S” stands for “Secure”.

Initially configured for the Windows Surface Laptop, Windows 10 S is essentially a lightweight version of the full operating system which is locked down to run only apps from the Microsoft Store, in order to deliver better security. It also allows for easier configuration and deployment of multiple machines in an office or classroom environment.

Recently Microsoft announced Windows 10 S will move from a dedicated operating system to a special “S Mode” for versions of Windows 10. Microsoft admits the original version of Windows 10 S that locked a PC down to using just Windows Store apps, could be confusing for users.

Windows 10 in S mode is now a specific mode of Windows 10 that offers a familiar Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance, while limiting users to apps downloaded through the Windows Store, with an unlock option available for the full version of the software.

With the release of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, “Windows 10 S” will become a mode of Windows 10 called “S mode” and is now available in more editions of Windows 10, not just Windows 10 Pro.

You can then make the decision to switch out of “S mode” and unlock the full version of Windows 10 at no charge, regardless of whether you’re a business or education customer or just the average consumer. Although, once you make the switch out of S mode, it is one-way and there is no switching back, most likely due to security reasons.

When using S mode, Microsoft Edge is the default web browser and Bing is the default search engine in Microsoft Edge. Other browsers are accessible while in S mode but all apps need to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store within Windows before using — the image below is an example of the type of notification you receive if trying to download the web browser Google Chome:

Microsoft says the reason for the change is due to users finding the naming of Windows 10 S confusing, and presumably not really understanding what the alternative on the operating system was all about. They say with the new S mode, it now offers all Windows 10 users the opportunity to use the new simplified and streamlined S mode, while still having the option to opt-out if needed.

If you would like more information or support regarding Windows 10 in S mode or purchasing a new Microsoft Windows device, please be in touch with us at, [email protected].