Microsoft bans third-party antivirus on Windows 10 S
Microsoft launched its Windows 10 S last month. Majority of the users know that this operating system SKU is restricted to apps in the Windows Store. In reality however, Windows 10 S ships with many restrictions with some of them actually real deal breakers for developers or enterprises who have considered switching to this OS version.
According to a report by ZDNet, they have published an in-depth look at Windows 10 S, explaining that Windows 10 S limitations do not necessarily come down to the apps present in the Windows Store.
Furthermore, there are several Windows components which are blocked from executing, including tools like Command Prompt, PowerShell, the Registry Editor and several others. The report has pointed out that cmd.exe can’t run interactively in Windows 10 S, and this is quite a problem for IT pros. One major change is that Windows 10 S does not allow driver packages which come with nonMicrosoft UI components and applications. This means that enterprises which used to modify packages to add support for other solutions or as integrated configuration utilities can no longer do that.
Also, Windows 10 S devices are also blocked from joining a Windows Domain, and Microsoft has also banned some applications from being published in the Windows Store, such as browsers, unless they are rewritten to be based on the Microsoft Edge engine. Lastly, Microsoft doesn’t actually allow certain categories of software in the Windows Store, including here third-party antivirus and backup solutions. This means that no
There are several Windows files which are blocked from executing like PowerShell, CMD
other antivirus beside Windows Defender can be used on Windows 10 S, even if security vendors find a way to bring them to the Windows app Store.
Windows 10 S is an operating system that is primarily aimed at the education market and is powering Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop, as well as other devices created by partners like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. Fortunately, Windows 10 S does support upgrading to Windows 10 Pro, and Microsoft itself is offering the upgrade for free if performed until December 31 on its Windows 10 S devices.