Windows 10 S: Microsoft’s Answer To Chrome OS 

Microsoft has launched a new version of Windows 10, called Windows 10 S, to take on Chrome OS. The new version will simplify Windows for low-end hardware, acting as an answer to Google’s Chrome OS in the budget, business and education sectors.

Although Windows 10 S sounds a lot like Windows 10, but in reality they are two very different operating systems. Although built on the same core as Windows 10, it is more lightweight and works on smaller hardware configurations which makes it suitable for cheap PCs and installation on older hardware to bring it back to life.

According to Microsoft, 10 S will significantly improve the battery life as compared to Windows 10. In fact, Microsoft claims that its first Windows 10 S computer, the ‘Surface Laptop’, will last up to 14.5 hours on a single charge.

All these characteristics, including its 15-second startup time, challenge Chrome OS that is based on the Linux kernel and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface.

However, given its appeal in the education sector that requires fast and cheap PCs, Chrome OS isn't going to go away. But with Windows 10 S, that has dedicated applications such as Intune for Education, Office 365 for Education and a Windows machines pried as much as a Chromebook, Microsoft is now offering to match every element of Google's successful education platform.