Windows 10 S to become ‘S Mode’ for all versions of the OS in 2019

It's now confirmed, Microsoft is ditching "Windows 10 S" as a dedicated product, and instead a new "S Mode" will be built on existing versions of Windows 10.

Windows 10 S Mode
Windows 10 S Mode

Microsoft is planning to discontinue “Windows 10 S” as a standalone product, but its features aren’t going away, as the company is working to build a special “S Mode” that will be available for all versions of Windows 10.

Although we knew this change was coming, Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President in the Operating Systems Group at Microsoft, has confirmed that the company will bring the “Windows 10 S” functionalities as a new “mode” for all existing versions in 2019.

Running Windows 10 on S Mode will work similar to Windows 10 S. It’ll lock down the operating system to run only those apps available from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft is currently working to bring the new mode to Windows 10 Pro, Home, and Enterprise.

Even though there are still a lot of questions to be answered, previous rumor suggests that Windows 10 Pro users will have to pay $49 for this new functionality, while Windows 10 Home users will be able to use the new mode free of charge.

Also, it remains to be seen how the company plans to approach to prevent confusion among consumers and hardware companies. Although, those running Windows 10 Home will have a way to switch for free, it may not be well received by consumers who will have to pay extra to switch on premium devices.

Update March 8, 2018: On a new article at the Windows Blog, Belfiore confirms that “S Mode” will be available for all versions of Windows 10 free of charge whether you use Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.