Microsoft is reportedly killing Windows 10 S as we know it

Microsoft announced Windows 10 S back in May 2017, a new version fo Windows 10 that is designed for affordable notebooks and ultrabooks that focused on Windows within an education environment. This version of Windows 10 only functions with applications from the Windows 10 Store, leaving devices with an extra level of quality control (and inconvenience) when it came to downloading and installing apps.   

Now it looks like Microsoft will be merging Windows 10 S with their standard versions the OS, leaving it as an optional mode for Windows 10 Home, Pro and Enterprise users, only allowing users to only allow “safe” applications to be installed on the Microsoft Store. 

Thurrott has reported that some new PCs will ship with Windows 10 S activated by default, forcing users to unlock an unrestricted version of Windows 10 for free or with a one time fee, depending on the version of Windows 10 they want to use. Upgrades from Home S to Home will be free, and a move from Pro S to Pro will reportedly cost $49. 

It has also been reported that Windows 10 S can only be shipped as a default option for Core, Value, Entry and Small Tablet PCs, with larger Core and Workstation-grade PCs being left out due to their premium nature.