[AlanHo]

Microsoft have just Launched a new version of Windows 10 which they have named Windows 10S. It is a cut down version of Windows 10 designed for low-cost computers and a new Microsoft Surface Laptop.

The most significant difference between Windows 10 S and other versions of Windows 10 is that it will only run applications downloaded from the Windows Store and will not run software from third-party sites and stores. You will not be able to run such apps as iTunes, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Google Search, or any other programme you have to install by the traditional Windows installer.

Initially, the only browser you will be able to use is Edge – until other browsers like Chrome, Firefox etc make their software available through the Windows Store – which is not guaranteed.

Windows 10 S will only be available on new PC’s and Laptops and will not be available as a separate version of Windows users can upgrade to or install..
Machines running Windows 10 S will be available from a variety of Microsoft’s PC-making partners, with Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung and Toshiba all intending to produce machines.

If you buy a computer loaded with Windows 10S and need to install software not available through the Windows Store, Microsoft will provide a facility to upgrade your computer to Windows 10 Pro for a one-time fee of possibly $49 in the USA and who-knows-what elsewhere. Some machines, such as Microsoft’s Surface Laptop, may also come with a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for a limited period.

Once upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, it is not possible to revert back to Windows 10 S.

There is yet another version of Windows 10 skulking in the background. This is named Windows 10 Home N and is a cut down and cheaper version of Windows 10 Home that manufacturers will be installing in new computers. It is a bit better than Windows 10S but worse than Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Pro will also have a cut down mate named Windows 10 Pro N available to computer manufacturers.

So the advice is – do not buy a computer with Windows 10S installed if you need to install software not available from the Windows Store. The only way around this is to pay extra for an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro or the full price for installing Windows 10 Home etc.

Also, if you are interested in a new computer loaded with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro -  check which version you are getting.

[AlanHo]

Perhaps I should simplify the structure for those with a less nimble brain and understanding of computer geekism

Its dead simple

You have

Windows 10 S - a basic OS limited to using apps obtainable from the Windows store.

Windows 10 Pro - which is better than Windows 10S because it can install third party apps.

Alternatively forget S and Pro and just go for a computer with Windows 10 Home. It's better than S but a bit worse than Pro.

However, if you are buying a new computer preinstalled with Windows, make sure the manufacturer hasn't installed Windows 10 N because that's a bit worse than Windows 10 Home but still better than Windows 10 S or Windows 10 Pro N for that matter, which is a bit worse than Windows 10 Pro but a bit better than Windows 10 Home and Home N.

You can't buy an N version of Windows - they only come preinstalled on new computers.

To avoid any confusion I did not mention Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows IoT for the Internet of Things., which means a version for any device that might connect to the internet.. But make sure you get the right version of Windows IoT because there's Windows IoT Core. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise. Oh - I almost forgot, there is also a Windows 10 IoT Core Pro which is a more professional version of Windows IoT Core.

Oh bugger - I've just remembered that there is another version named Windows 10 Education - aimed at the needs of Students. It is similar to Windows 10 S but the Cortana help and search module has been removed because students know it all and don't need help searching for stuff.

I trust that you have found this post helpful now that I have simplified the structure of the Windows 10 family. Buying a new computer to suit your precise needs should now be a doddle..

[Shambles]

We can always rely on you to clarify matters of the geek variety

Now of course, as you'd imagine, my developer toolkits use a far more advanced version of Windows - 85 versions ahead of yours.

Windows 95 all the way for me

[AlanHo]

Windows 95 all the way for me

Why don't I believe you and feel you are taking advantage of my gullibility again.

[Dazzler]

Trust Microsoft to "simplify" things 

[Surferdude]

I've read it all through.
Not going to re-check but did you neglect to mention W10 Creators?

[mickd]

Thanks for the heads up,
 looks like I'll just keep going to my "Brains" and saying "wipe it and load up something I can understand " 

[The Gonz]

I can see what the S stands for.