Microsoft unveils Windows 10 S
Microsoft announced Windows 10 S, a version of the operating system that runs on systems with low hardware requirements, at an education-focused event on Tuesday. The operating system only runs apps from the Windows Store.
According to Microsoft, the new version of the OS is more secure and streamlined for better performance. Among other things, the start time has been reduced to less than five seconds after the first login to the system. In addition, Microsoft promises that the performance will not deteriorate by installing and uninstalling apps.
The applications run in containers, which should also improve security. If a student wants to install an application from outside the Windows Store, a warning appears stating that this is not possible for security reasons. If the teacher still wants to install the software, they will have to upgrade the PC to Windows 10 Pro.
The configuration is also fast according to the manufacturer. Administrators can use USB sticks to configure PCs as they see fit. Teachers can manage students’ Windows 10 S PCs via a built-in menu, which allows them to determine, among other things, which apps to install and which network they should be connected to.
With the Windows 10 S PCs, Microsoft is competing with Chromebooks, laptops with Chrome OS that are becoming increasingly popular in education. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Toshiba, Samsung and Fujitsu, among others, come with Windows 10 S systems. The minimum specifications for the systems appeared earlier: they must have a quad-core processor, which must be at least an Intel Celeron type. In addition, 4GB of RAM is required in combination with 32GB of storage, or 64GB with a 64-bit system. The battery must be at least a 40 Watt hour and the device must have an SSD or EMMC storage.
The cheapest of the systems has a price starting at $189. This includes a free license for Minecraft: Education Edition and Office 365 for Education. Schools licensed for Windows 10 Pro can use Windows 10 S at no additional cost.