RF Generation Message Board

Gaming => Video Game Generation => Topic started by: techwizard on November 07, 2018, 05:24:05 PM



Title: PSA: Windows 10 in S Mode
Post by: techwizard on November 07, 2018, 05:24:05 PM
I know this isn't the right place for this but this forum gets a lot more traffic and I think this PSA is important. I'm reposting what I just shared on Facebook.

Anyone looking at buying a new Windows PC, whether laptop or desktop, should avoid S Mode. It's a new version of Windows 10 that might be labelled as "Windows 10 Home in S Mode", if it's advertised at all (I haven't seen any for sale yet myself to say how it's marketed). This PSA doesn't apply to all versions of Windows 10, only those marked S Mode.

S Mode severely restricts what you can do with the computer by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store. This means you're stuck with Microsoft Edge (aka Internet Explorer), any apps you use for work or school probably won't work (unless they're on the Microsoft Store), and even antivirus is limited to the built-in Windows Defender! Not to mention devices that require third party software to run are likely to have limited functionality, if they work at all.

It can be disabled (which can't be undone), but it's not worth the trouble. Make sure to ask first before buying to make sure you're not getting an S Mode version of Windows 10.

More info:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4020089/windows-10-in-s-mode-faq


Title: Re: PSA: Windows 10 in S Mode
Post by: MetalFRO on November 08, 2018, 10:21:49 AM
This is good information, and obviously will matter to PC gamers who use services like Steam, GOG, itch.io, etc. Thanks for the heads up.