Windows 10 S-Mode: information and differences to Windows 10

Windows 10 is often preinstalled in S mode on cheaper notebooks and convertibles. We reveal the differences between Windows 10 S and the normal operating system and explain how you can switch from S-Mode to normal mode.

Windows 10 S-Mode: All differences from normal Windows

Inexpensive 2-in-1 models like the Microsoft Surface Go are not delivered with Windows 10 Home or Pro as standard, but only with Windows 10 in S-mode. To date, developer Microsoft has not revealed what the "S" in the Windows version stands for. In the meantime, many users associate the German terms "safe" and "fast" with it. In fact, these two words describe the differences to normal Windows 10 quite well. An overview:

• Program support : While any number of programs can be installed in Windows 10, you can only download and use apps from the Windows Store under Windows 10 S. Third-party programs that you otherwise download from the Internet cannot be installed.
• Personalization: One consequence of the lack of third-party support is the lack of personalization options. In particular, the standard browser and the standard search engine cannot be changed in Windows 10 S. So you have to make do with Microsoft Edge and Bing.
• Driver: The lack of support for external tools sometimes goes so far that printers, hard drives and other peripheral devices can no longer be used. After all, a large part of the hardware requires its own drivers, but they cannot be installed.
• Windows 10 S provides suitable drivers for almost every device, but this often means that only the standard functions can be used. After all, many manufacturers now have suitable apps in the Windows Store that deliver the majority of the features.
• Security: The limited app support may seem strange at first glance, but it has one major advantage. Windows has long been the most vulnerable to viruses and Trojans. Such malware is particularly spread through programs.
• Since only previously checked apps can be installed from the store in S-Mode, the system is safe from these security gaps. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 S should therefore be particularly suitable for schools and universities, where certain security guidelines often apply anyway.
• But there are also disadvantages: Since classic antivirus programs cannot be installed, users have to trust Windows Defender - but it often does poorly in tests.
• Speed: Another advantage of the slimmed-down version of Windows is its performance. Windows 10 runs significantly faster in S mode than the actual version, especially with weaker hardware. Start and loading times are also noticeably shorter on a regular basis.

Who is Windows 10 in S mode for?

Due to its limited functions, Windows 10 S is only worthwhile if you only surf the web or do office tasks. In addition, you should only use the slimmed-down Windows version on weaker devices that have problems with normal Windows. In all other cases, the standard version of Windows 10 with a suitable virus scanner is the better choice.

Convert S-Mode to Windows 10 Pro - Here's how

If Windows 10 is pre-installed in S-Mode on your device, you can switch to the normal Windows version at any time free of charge. But be careful: the change cannot be undone and is often accompanied by a noticeable loss of performance. He should therefore be well considered.

• To switch, start the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer.
• Enter the "Switch Out S Modus" command in the search bar at the top right.
• Then click on the "Switch off S mode" entry and follow the further instructions.
• After a short configuration time, Windows 10 will restart in normal mode.

Windows 10 S: the biggest limitations - and how to get rid of them

• There are also different versions of normal Windows 10, which we will introduce you to in a separate post.