Placing a device’s OS in a locked-down secure state can limit access to applications while still taking advantage of the computational power of the cloud and the potential of employee interaction and collaboration--this is the working principle behind Microsoft Windows 10 in S mode (formerly known as Windows 10 S). As a modified version of Windows 10 Pro, the streamlined Windows 10 in S mode can still achieve computational performance and communication but with limits that deliver additional security in an enterprise or an academic environment.

Basically, Microsoft Windows 10 in S mode is a pre-configured version of Windows 10 Pro designed to be more secure but with the same level of performance. The most obvious limitation, however, is that while in S mode, Windows 10 can only download, install, and use applications that are verified and available from the Microsoft Store.

Find out more about the benefits and drawbacks of Windows 10 in S mode in this free PDF download from TechRepublic.