The more things change, the more they stay the same. Back in 2017, I reported on Microsoft’s newest strategy: intentionally crippling Windows. They introduced something called “S Mode” which didn’t let you run most apps. They told us this would be more secure and faster and just plain work better. Five years later, did they keep their promise?
What is S mode?
S mode, which is part of Windows 10 and Windows 11, is a special mode that Microsoft offers for low-end computers. It limits you to using just the apps you’ll find at the Windows Store. In doing this, the computer can run faster and (theoretically) safer. Why? Because all the little bits needed to keep compatibility with 30 years of Windows apps is turned off. In S mode you’re supposedly guaranteed a secure experience. That’s what the S is supposed to stand for, I think.
In reality, most users find S mode more than a little limiting. You can use web-based versions of apps like Microsoft 365, but you’ll have to do it with the Edge browser. This isn’t a terrible sacrifice now that Edge runs the same underpinnings as Chrome, but it’s still not what most people want. Most people use Edge just once, to download Chrome.
By the way, you can turn off S mode any time you want. You can download an app from the Windows Store called “Switch out of S Mode.” Here are full instructions. Note that it’s a one-way trip. You can’t go back to S mode without reinstalling Windows on your computer.
Here’s why they do this
Two reasons why Microsoft would do this. The first is a bit egotistical. Microsoft would really like to just stop supporting anything before Windows 10. They’re carrying the weight of every version of Windows that came before, and even supporting old DOS apps. They think people would be better off just getting with the program, literally.
They may be right. Cell phone makers routinely limit users to only modern versions of apps. People don’t seem to mind. But people use PCs for work, and as Windows 8 proved, folks just want to get stuff done at work. They’re not interested in learning flashy features.
The other reason is a bit less, well, selfish. A lot of folks are attracted to Chromebooks. Chromebooks had a rocky start. I famously made fun of them almost a decade ago. But they’ve found their footing. They’re cheap, reliable, and don’t get malware. Schools love them for those reasons and so do regular folks. I’ll admit, I have one and I take it with me when I don’t want to risk my pricier gear.
Microsoft wanted a way to compete in the Chromebook space. They created Windows S for that reason. It will run on super-cheap hardware just like Chromebooks, and it’s secure since you can’t really install much in S mode. Most of what you’ll do is through web apps. If you can do it on a Chromebook, you can do it with Windows S. (Except run Android apps, Chromebooks do that but you’ll need the full Windows 11 to do it with Microsoft.)
Everything old is new again
I pointed out in that 2017 article that Windows S wasn’t Microsoft’s first try at this sort of thing. They had Windows RT, which just plain couldn’t run anything outside the Microsoft store. That old article doesn’t mention it but they also had something called Windows 7 Starter back in about 2010. It was an intentionally hobbled version of Windows designed to run on very cheap hardware. Sound familiar?
Of course today Microsoft is at it again. Not only do they have S mode, but they also have ARM-based Surface laptops. These Surface Pros have better battery life and cellular support thanks to their low power processors. But, once again, compatibility with old apps is an issue. Will they never learn?
