Windows 10
If the restrictions in Windows 10 S stop you running software that you need, or you want more control over updates, you can upgrade those systems to Windows 10 Pro – not Windows 10 Home (and for a short time, that upgrade will be free). It’s tempting to think that this might make Windows 10 S a replacement for Windows Home in the future: users who want simplicity, security, superior performance, a streamlined experience or whatever else the ‘S’ stands for could pick Windows 10 S, and power users could pay extra for Windows 10 Pro.
That probably depends on just how many of the apps mainstream users want arrive in the Windows Store. If there are enough, businesses might also pick Windows 10 S for users who don’t need the extra power, and the security risks that come with it. But Windows 10 will still be there for developers, gamers and power users who want all the options.
Windows 10 IoT
There’s another version of Windows that runs on both ARM and Intel processors – Windows 10 IoT – which comes in three flavours. Windows 10 IoT Core is a cut-down version for specialised ARM or x86 devices that may or may not have a screen but can still run a single UWP app or Windows features like Cortana (as long as the device has a screen in the latter case), but not the Windows Shell.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a full version of Windows 10 Enterprise for building embedded devices like ATMs and thin clients on x86 systems, and Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise is for building embedded systems on ARM, for handheld devices like scanners and industrial PDAs.
- We’ve highlighted all the best deals on Windows 10 this month