Microsoft's Windows 10 S launched last year to take on Google's Chromebooks in the education market. Redmond is attempting to tap into a market where price is everything, but there are a few valid reasons why you might want to choose this version Windows 10 over the full-featured Windows 10 Pro.
It actually is Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 S is a little locked down compared to standard Windows, so you can't just go crazy and install whatever you want. But it does still have most of the features that everyone uses, including access to awesome games in the Windows Store, stylus support, BitLocker, Xbox Anywhere, Remote Desktop, and the latest security and feature updates.
And if you do decided to unlock it, you're getting Windows 10 Pro with all the features and not just Windows 10 Home.
A safe and secure app store
While limiting Windows 10 S to the Windows Store does also limit the selection of what you can install, it also means you're less likely to install something nasty. Apps in the Windows Store are screened for malware and viruses, and are also limited in how much access they have to your system. Sticking to Windows Store apps ensures your PC will stay secure and perform well.
Add in an ever-growing app selection in the Windows Store and Windows 10 S should be more than enough for most.
It's better than Windows 8
Windows 10 S is everything that the Windows RT experiment should have been. It's fast, has an app store with great apps from top developers and independent coders, and it's stable and reliable. It's easy to laugh at Windows 8 and RT, but Windows 10 Pro and 10 S are actually really good.
Edge is edgy
Microsoft's latest web browser is a solid experience and a vast departure from the clunky, unsupported, and slow Internet Explorer. There are even extensions that are available in the Windows Store to expand the functionality of the browser.
Microsoft Edge ultimate guide
Upgrade to Pro at anytime
The good part about Windows 10 S is you're not stuck with it. If you want to install software outside the Windows Store or tweak locked settings, you can upgrade to full Windows 10 Pro. It'll cost you $49, which isn't absurdly expensive, and the option is always there if you want it.
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