New Surface Pro firmware brings Windows 10 S support, but why?

Would you buy a Surface Pro device running Windows 10 S? We only ask because Microsoft has issued new firmware for its latest tablet explicitly supporting the new operating system.

Released on August 12, the new firmware patches the Surface Pro with four key Intel driver updates, all of which directly cite support for Windows 10 S.

Furthermore, these are the only changes found within the firmware update, making it only more suspicious that Microsoft is up to something. Why would a device that ships only with Windows 10 Pro be receiving hardware drivers that work with Windows 10 S?

Surface Pro meets Windows 10 S

The most logical conclusion here – i.e. the only one we can come up with – is that Microsoft is laying the groundwork for an eventual version of the Surface Pro paired with Windows 10 S.

While we’ve had little evidence from which to draw that conclusion, there stands little other reason for a device to be updated with firmware for an OS it doesn’t currently use. We can’t find much reason in Microsoft offering a “Switch to Windows 10 S” option on Surface Pro, because few would leap for that.

With Windows 10 S giving teachers greater access to their student’s devices, coupled with strong Back to School deals on Surface Pro 4, it makes sense for Microsoft to push the classroom-edition of Windows on a potentially better-selling device.

So, what we’re left with is the first inkling of a Surface Pro device running Windows 10 S, but next to nothing else suggesting such a move. So, would you buy a Surface Pro for – one would hope – a bit less cash if it meant a more secured OS? You might be able to vote with your dollar soon enough.

Via Windows Central

Joe Osborne

Joe Osborne is the Senior Technology Editor at Insider Inc. His role is to leads the technology coverage team for the Business Insider Shopping team, facilitating expert reviews, comprehensive buying guides, snap deals news and more. Previously, Joe was TechRadar's US computing editor, leading reviews of everything from gaming PCs to internal components and accessories. In his spare time, Joe is a renowned Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master – and arguably the nicest man in tech.

Latest in Windows
A man getting angry with his laptop.
Windows 11 bug deletes Copilot from the OS – is this the first glitch ever some users will be happy to encounter?
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Latest in News
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments
An image of the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 could have AI upscaling similar to PS5 Pro’s PSSR according to patent, and it could be a gamechanger for graphics on the upcoming console
PowerColor Red Devil AMD RX 9070 XT graphics card shown side-on
Your next GPU could be from AMD, not Nvidia, if Team Red’s success with PC gamers continues
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #1149)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #380)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, March 18 (game #646)