Remember the XP-mode in Windows 7, which works pretty well at that time? Now, there is another mode coming to Windows 10, namely Windows 10 S Mode. The new “S Mode” will essentially lock down any copy of Windows 10 so it can only run apps from the Microsoft Store and does exactly what Windows 10 S was built to do.
Brad Sams from Thurrott reported that 60% of users remain on Windows 10 S, instead of switching to Windows Pro free of charge. And 60% of those who switched do so within 24 hours of purchasing the device but if they don’t switch in the first 7 days, 83% remain running in S mode.
With that data in mind, Microsoft is making a move to strip the S out of Windows 10 lineup. Instead, offering S Mode for all iterations of Windows 10. And that brings some other big changes to Windows 10 lineup to OEMs.
According to Thurott, there are a total of five SKUs available for partners to utilize for consumers but they all have a defined set of parameters based on the hardware specifications. The SKUs are Entry, Value, Core, Core+, and Advanced.
Here is a breakdown of the SKUs based on the hardware with the pricing for the partners.
While it’s a good idea making S Mode available for each version of Windows 10, it does sound nuts seeing that many SKUs surfacing to confuse any of us. I truly hope this is only for Microsoft to make more money for themselves out of the licenses sold to the OEMs.
Hi Kent
The idea that one would choose to limit Windows 10 possible uses just baffles me.
It’s not like S adds anything that isn’t already available in Windows. So now the S stands for ‘Subtract’?