Microsoft recently announced their new Windows 10 S operating system, which is a streamlined version of Windows 10 designed primarily for educational environments and low-end hardware. This new OS aims to provide a more secure and efficient user experience by limiting the types of applications that can be installed and run. However, it has come to light that popular apps like Google Chrome may not be allowed on the platform.
Eric Lawrence, one of the engineers at Google who works on Chrome, discovered a significant restriction in Microsoft’s Windows 10 S that could prevent Chrome and other third-party browsers from running on the platform.
Ahem. pic.twitter.com/vqrtGfJGKp
— Eric Lawrence (@ericlaw) May 4, 2017
As we can see from the tweet above, Microsoft has stated in its terms and conditions for Windows 10 S that “Apps that browse the web must use the appropriate HTML and JavaScript engines provided by the Windows Platform.” This means that any web browser, including Google Chrome, would need to use Microsoft’s own rendering engines, rather than their own proprietary ones.
Implications for Users and Developers
This restriction has significant implications for both users and developers. For users, it means that they will be limited to using Microsoft Edge or other browsers that comply with these specific requirements. This could be a drawback for those who prefer the features and performance of browsers like Chrome or Firefox. For developers, it means additional work to ensure their applications are compatible with the Windows 10 S environment, potentially limiting innovation and competition in the browser market.
Moreover, this move can be seen as a way for Microsoft to push its own browser, Edge, which has struggled to gain a significant market share compared to Chrome. By restricting other browsers, Microsoft could be attempting to boost Edge’s usage among Windows 10 S users.
Educational and Security Benefits
On the flip side, Microsoft argues that these restrictions are in place to enhance security and performance. By limiting the types of applications that can be installed, Windows 10 S aims to reduce the risk of malware and other security threats. This is particularly important in educational settings, where devices are often shared among multiple users and need to be as secure as possible.
Additionally, by controlling the web browsing experience, Microsoft can ensure a more consistent and optimized performance across all Windows 10 S devices. This could be beneficial for schools and institutions that require reliable and efficient technology for their students and staff.
However, it’s worth noting that users who require more flexibility and the ability to install a wider range of applications can upgrade from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro. This upgrade removes the restrictions and allows for the installation of any compatible software, including third-party web browsers.
In conclusion, while the restrictions imposed by Windows 10 S may limit the availability of popular browsers like Google Chrome, they also offer potential benefits in terms of security and performance. Users and developers will need to weigh these factors when deciding whether Windows 10 S is the right choice for their needs.
Source MSPowerUser
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