Page 25 - Windows 10 May 2019 Update The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box

So what’s the payoff of using a PC that’s locked to Microsoft’s

software? Computers in S mode start up faster than other Windows
10 machines, are less prone to malware (although Microsoft still
recommends using its Defender antivirus software), and are
supposed to slow down less over time. And they’re cheap, starting

at about $190.

Apart from the app limitations, Windows 10 in S mode works
exactly as described in this book.

Tip
If you bought a PC with S mode and decide you’ve outgrown it, you can turn S mode off—no
charge. You wind up with the full-blown Windows 10 Home or Pro.

That, however, is a one-time offer. You can never return your machine to S mode. (You can still
limit it to Microsoft Store apps, though; see “Proxy”.)

To leave S mode forever, open → → Update & Security → Activation. Under “Switch to
Windows 10 Home [or Pro],” hit “Go to the Store.” (Don’t hit the “Go to Store” button you might
see in the “Upgrade your edition of Windows” section.)
The Microsoft Store opens. Where it says “Switch out of S mode,” hit Get and confirm your
choice. Boom: You can now install any apps you want. Your S mode days are over.

The Very Basics

To get the most out of Windows with the least frustration, it helps to be
familiar with some fundamental concepts and terms. If you’re new to
Windows, be prepared to encounter these words and phrases over and over

again.

Windows Defined

Windows is an operating system, the software that controls your computer.

It’s designed to serve you in several ways:

It’s a launch bay. At its heart, Windows is a home base for the

various software programs (apps, or applications) that you use to