‘Safety doesn’t happen by accident’
Author Unknown
It goes without saying that there is always room for improvement when it comes for developing operating systems. Good old Microsoft is perfectly aware of that truth, and Windows 10 in S mode is a striking example how things get better in terms of security, stability, and performance. Keep reading this article to know what stays behind this mysterious title and how you can actually use it to your own advantage.
What is Windows 10 in S mode?
Windows 10 in S mode is a locked-down version of Windows 10. Microsoft claims it has developed Windows 10 in S mode for security and performance purposes, and that has been achieved indeed, but the point is, that was done through that version’s limited functionality. As a result, you can download apps exclusively from the Microsoft Store and browse only with Microsoft Edge – whether you like that or not. This means that all the apps that you have running on your personal computer are verified by Microsoft and the Edge browser is totally responsible for your browsing experience. This way Microsoft protects you against malware, phishing and hacking threats.
What is more, with Windows 10 in S mode, you experience faster start-ups – that is a great advantage for those who are always busy or on the go. Indeed, Microsoft has put a lot of thought and effort into making that version of Windows 10 run smoothly and thus save your valuable time. For instance, you can browse at higher speeds now. This holds true for opening apps and streaming HD video as well.
Aside from that, in Windows 10 in S mode, your default search engine is Bing, and you can’t switch to another option. To do that, you will actually have to switch out of the S mode version of your operating system.
Also, Windows 10 in S Mode is designed to prevent you from editing your core settings – this is to make sure they are not tampered with. For example, you are not allowed to use Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Bash. Your Windows Registry is also locked, and you cannot access it through the Registry Editor tool.
What is the difference between Windows 10 in S mode and Windows 10 S?
We assume that some of the features described above might seem familiar to you, along with the title of the version. You might have already recalled the so-called Windows 10 S operating system, and your thought is headed in the right direction, but
Windows 10 S and Windows 10 in S mode are not the same thing, and it is important for you to be able to tell them apart. Windows 10 S exists no more after the April 2018 Update for Windows 10; it actually transformed into Windows 10 in S mode. Although the latter is similar in its functionality to its predecessor, Windows 10 S was a separate edition of Microsoft’s operating system, while Windows 10 in S mode, as its title proclaims in a rather straightforward way, is actually a mode for Win 10 that is available on a wider range of Win 10 editions (not only on Windows 10 Pro) and that you can easily opt out of. Let’s take a closer look at this particular detail.
Is Windows 10 in S mode optional?
Yes, it is, and that is pretty logical since not everyone can be satisfied with the limited functionality of the mode in question. The thing is, you might need non-Microsoft apps or wish to use a third-party search engine – obviously, there is a high chance of that. So, you are not glued to Windows 10 in S mode and are capable of migrating from it whenever you like and for free. The only catch is that you cannot get back to S mode once you have made the switch, so it is a one-way process, no rollbacks allowed. We do not know why it is so, but it is Microsoft’s will, so we can’t do anything about that.
To wrap things up, think twice before switching out of Windows 10 in S mode. If you have made up your mind to do so, open your Microsoft Store app, search for ‘switch out of S mode’, and you will be walked through the process.
How to know if a PC runs Windows 10 in S mode?
That is quite simple. To begin with, machines that come with Windows 10 in S mode pre-installed usually have that information stated in their product specifications. If you cannot find that info about your device, there is no need to worry – here is where you can see what you need:
- Go to your Settings menu. You can do that by pressing the Windows logo + I shortcut on your keyboard. Or you can do it that way: right-click on the Windows logo icon on your Taskbar and select Settings from the menu.
- Click on the System tile. Then navigate to the left-pane menu and scroll down to About. Click on that option.
Now you can see if you are using the S-mode version of Windows 10.
How to get Windows 10 in S mode?
If you wish to make use of the mode in question, you should buy a device running Windows 10 in S mode. Check for the tech specification to see if S mode is enabled on the computer you want to purchase.
Who should opt for Windows 10 in S mode?
We have already mentioned the most notable pros and cons of Windows 10 in S mode – which practically boil down to better security and speed on the one side and rather strict limitations on the other side – but you might still be wondering if you really need that mode on your PC. Therefore, we would like to give you a piece of advice: the version in view is ideal for schools, colleges and business environments, and it is also a real boon to kids and PC novices. Using only reliable and reputable apps and sticking to Edge may prove invaluable where even a slightest security breach is likely to turn into a disaster or where the lack of technical skill and knowledge is inevitable.
However, there is another way to keep a computer safeguarded against malicious items. If you do not wish to move to S mode, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware to protect your Windows OS, be it XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, or 10. This tool can run along with other security solutions without creating conflicts or be your main line of defense – the choice is yours. The best thing is, Auslogics Anti-Malware kills malware that other antivirus tools may struggle to detect, so you can rest easy knowing that dangerous entities are kept out.
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