Turning off S mode becomes free for every Windows 10 version

Microsoft is giving customers who will soon be running Windows 10 Home, Pro or Enterprise in an S mode, the option to switch to the full versions of the operating systems at no cost.

Both customers and partners indicated that the name Windows 10 S caused confusion, Microsoft writes. Based on that feedback, the adjustment to an S mode for the full Windows version has been made. That Microsoft is going to stop with the separate version of Windows 10 S was revealed on Wednesday.

Starting with the upcoming update, by which Microsoft probably means the Spring Creators Update, customers will be able to purchase Windows 10 Home or Pro with S mode activated. Makers of PCs such as laptops can choose to have the systems run in S mode by default, and Windows 10 Enterprise is also rolling out in S mode.

If customers want to switch to the full version of the operating system, they can switch with each edition at no additional cost, Microsoft promises. “We expect the majority of customers to choose the benefits of Windows 10 in S mode,” the company said.

Microsoft has so far positioned Windows 10 S as a stripped-down variant of Windows 10, which can only run apps from the Windows Store and with Edge as the permanent default browser. The version would run faster, even on systems with less fast hardware, and be more secure. The company focused on the educational and business market.