Windows 10 in S mode to debut on new PCs “soon,” disabling it will be free regardless of edition

As we reported earlier today Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore recently tweeted about the future of Windows 10 in S mode, saying it will be available for all versions of Windows 10 next year. A little over 12 hours later the CVP of Windows 10 has taken to the Windows Blog to clarify the matter, explaining that this new S Mode will actually appear on new PCs following the release of the next major Windows 10 update.

According to Belfiore, this decision is coming because Microsoft received feedback from customers and partners on the education and security-focused Windows 10 S. “Customers love the security, faster boot time, better battery life and consistent performance over time. Our partners have brought to market more than 20 devices with Windows 10 S enabled” Belfiore wrote.

Some customers also apparently found that the Windows 10 S naming was confusing, so Microsoft decided to simplify things for its customers. Indeed, Belfiore notes that following the release of the next major Windows 10 update, customers will have the choice of buying PCs with Windows 10 (Home or Pro) in S mode, while commercial customers will be able to deploy Windows 10 Enterprise with S mode enabled.

Belfiore is apparently putting big bets on this new configuration of Windows 10, hoping that customers will “enjoy the benefits of Windows 10 in S mode.” Even with that so, customers still will have options to disable S mode at no charge, regardless of edition. This is an important detail to note as according to previous reports, disabling S mode on Windows 10 Pro would require users to pay a $49 fee.

A recent report showed Windows devices are gaining in the education market, so it will be interesting to see how consumers and OEMs will adapt to this news. More is likely to develop over these next few weeks, so be sure to keep tuned to OnMSFT for more information.