WINDOWS 10 S FAQ
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What is Windows 10 S?
Windows 10 S is a streamlined, locked-down version of Windows 10. By exclusively using apps from the Windows Store, Microsoft is touting better security and performance.
How is it compare to Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro?
Windows 10 S is closer to Windows 10 Pro than Windows 10 Home. It supports Intune, Azure Active Directory Join, Enterprise State Roaming via Azure AD, full BitLocker encryption, Windows Update and Windows Store for Business, and plays nice with mobile device management policies, all pro features you nd on Windows 10 Pro.
What can’t I do on Windows 10 S?
Because it only runs apps downloaded from the Windows Store, you’re out of luck if an app that you need isn’t on the store. But major desktop apps are coming to the Windows Store, such as Spotify, iTunes, and WhatsApp.
Also, Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 S and Bing the default search engine. While in theory you can use any browser as long as it’s on the Windows Store, that’s a moot point since there’s no Chrome or Firefox on Windows Store yet.
Will all hardware work on Windows 10 S?
According to Microsoft, many hardware peripherals (such as printers) that work with Windows 10 today will work with Windows 10 S, but may have limited functionality. Because the OS has just been announced, Microsoft is still working with its hardware partners.
Are there any Windows 10 S devices that I can buy now?
Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung, and Toshiba will soon be making “education PCs” running Windows 10 S, with prices starting at US$189.
The only Windows 10 S device you can pre-order now (in the U.S.) is the Surface Laptop, a premium laptop targeted at college students, and which has a starting price of US$999.
What if I regret buying a Windows 10 S device?
You can upgrade Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro easily via the Windows Store. Microsoft is making this upgrade free until the end of 2017. After which, it’ll cost US$49.