Microsoft’s
latest operating system for schools and students might be a Windows,
but it is different than other versions. Windows 10 S is faster and
requires low hardware configuration. It can only run the apps present on
the Windows Store. Users can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for $50 if they
want to install desktop apps. Windows 10 S, the S may stand for Speed or Striped, is Microsoft’s new operating system announced on May 2.
Many of us are viewing it as a competitor to Google Chrome OS. Well, it
could be, but with Microsoft stripping down features and improving
speed.
Microsoft
has placed it’s latest operating system closer to Windows 10 Pro as
both of them are based on the same core. This also means Windows 10 S is
a lot less different than Windows 10 Pro in comparison to the Home
version.
Redmond
says that Windows 10 S is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro.
But still, Windows 10 S is dissimilar in many ways.
How Is Windows 10 S different from Windows 10?
Battery Life
Windows
10 S uses less power which is one of its USPs. And it has to be so in
order to be student’s companion who would require a computer at any time
of the day. Microsoft proudly taps its back on the fact that machines
running Windows 10 S can last for more than 10 hours.
It’s speedier and lighter
Windows
10 S can boot in just 15 seconds. It’s lighter than other Windows 10
versions and can also be used on less efficient hardware. The OS is
primarily intended for students and academic bodies.
Windows
10 S also simplifies the setup process, multiple PCs can be set up with
a single USB stick created using a built-in tool.
It
takes around 30 seconds for the process to complete. A school can
control all the devices connected to their network, and turn the
features on and off.
No apps outside the Windows Store
Microsoft
faced criticism when they tried to restrict users to the Windows Store,
but it was 5 years ago when Windows RT. Maybe this time such an attempt
would grant success.
You
can only install the apps present on the Windows Store. Windows 10 S
runs these apps, based on the Universal Windows Platform, in a separate
container preventing the apps from messing with important system
settings and files.
If
you try to install non-store apps, Windows 10 S would suggest you
alternatives from the store. Microsoft is offering an upgrade to Windows
10 Pro for the users wanting to install apps outside of the store. The
$50 upgrade is currently free until the end of 2017.
However,
Windows 10 S doesn’t close the gates for the desktop apps altogether.
Microsoft’s Project Centennial allows such apps to packaged and made
compatible for the Store.
Moving
more and more apps to Windows Store would also enable Windows to
compete against Chrome OS which has now become even better with support
for Android apps.
Edge and Bing, No place for Chrome
Edge
is the default web browser in Windows 10 S, it can be one of the perks
or restrictions. Also, the default search engine is Bing, and it’s not
possible to switch to some other. However, Microsoft will be providing
regional alternatives at places where Bing is not available.
The
inability to install desktop apps also bars users from installing
Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox which are not present in the Windows
Store.
Similarities with Windows 10 Pro
With
Windows S being a brother to the Pro version, it has some similarities
as well. Windows S supports Azure AD domain, Windows Update for
Business, Windows Store for Business, Mobile Device Management (MDM),
Bitlocker, etc. However, it won’t include the Windows Subsystem for
Linux and Hyper-V hypervisor.
It’s not all good good
Microsoft
has been pushing the development of universal drivers various hardware
and peripherals, and Windows 10 S is not the exception. It will be able
to support all the major drivers. But given the lack of desktop apps,
users may face problems while installing additional drivers.
Cheap machines on the way
Microsoft
wants you to try Windows S on their $999 Surface Laptop. But low-cost
machines are also on their way for the general users. They have
partnered with various manufacturers including Dell, HP, Samsung,
Toshiba, Asus, Acer, etc. We would see Windows S PCs in the market by
this summer with a price tag as low as $189.
Windows
10 PCs are being dubbed as Microsoft’s answer to Chrome-books. Well,
they can be, considering the fact that Windows has a larger ecosystem of
apps which only need to be put on the Store. Many of the software still
need to be optimized for the Store and it won’t be quick that would
happen overnight.
If you have something to add, drop your thoughts and feedback.
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