Earlier in the week, Microsoft released their new Windows 10 S operating system. The new operating system, just like Windows RT, is limited to installing just Windows Store applications. Microsoft has taken an interesting approach to Windows 10 S beyond the Windows Store limitation it seems. In a not so surprising twist, Redmond is also trying to enforce the use of their default Edge browser and Bing search engine.
Microsoft has been trying to push their competing browser and search engine for a long time. With Windows 10 S, the effort is taken to the next level. Microsoft set both Bing and Edge as the default, and that cannot be changed. Even if a user jumps through the hurdle of getting the alternatives from the Windows Store, that is not enough. While alternative search engines and browsers can be set and installed, they cannot be the default.
Pitfalls of Windows 10 S Defaults
Apple and Google have at various times done the same for some of their systems, notably ChromeOS and iOS. Those systems, however, were marketed specifically as an alternative to a full-on operating system. Microsoft is trying the same move with Windows 10 S being a more limited piece of software. Redmond however, has maintained the same old Windows branding which users have associated with a full operating system.
Users shunned Windows RT partially due to the fact that it purported to be Windows but did not offer a full Windows experience. Consumers may shun Windows 10 S for the same reason if it is too limited. Microsoft should draw on their Windows branding, but it has to make sure that users know what they are getting. It will be interesting to see if users will reject or accept Windows 10 and its limitations.
