Switch to S Mode Appears in Insider Preview 17686

Peter Bright at Ars Technica has a short piece that recites his discovery of a "Switch to S Mode" setting in Build 17686 (the latest Insider Preview). Just confirmed it for myself:

Read all about it, including some interesting ruminations on what this could mean for Windows going forward, at Latest Windows preview suggests you'll be able to turn S Mode on and off | Ars Technica. Don't get too excited, though: while the search string is recognized, it doesn't DO anything just yet.

--Ed--

An S Mode that could coexist with carefully selected desktop software—installed by an IT department, for instance—would make S Mode much more useful to many more people.

Nope it won't happen ... current security policies can secure that ... S-mode is about secure UWP apps running as kiosk ... i.e. scalar mode. The new Win 10 CloudE which has less restrictions may fit that scenario.

Good point @Superfly. I, too, believe it's an "either-or" dynamic where Win32 vs. UWP apps are concerned at runtime.
Thanks for sharing your observation.
--Ed--

What's new in Windows 10, version 1803 | Microsoft Docs

Windows 10 in S mode

Windows 10 in S mode is now available on both Windows 10 Home and Pro PCs, and commercial customers will be able to deploy Windows 10 Enterprise in S mode - by starting with Windows 10 Pro in S mode and then activating Windows 10 Enterprise on the computer.
Some additional information about Windows 10 in S mode:

• Microsoft-verified. All of your applications are verified by Microsoft for security and performance.
• Performance that lasts. Start-ups are quick, and S mode is built to keep them that way.
• Choice and flexibility. Save your files to your favorite cloud, like OneDrive or DropBox, and access them from any device you choose. Browse the Microsoft Store for thousands of apps.
• S mode, on a range of modern devices. Enjoy all the great Windows multi-tasking features, like snapping Windows, task view and virtual desktops on a range of S mode enabled devices.

If you want to switch out of S mode, you will be able to do so at no charge, regardless of edition. Once you switch out of S mode, you cannot switch back.

Thanks for sharing that, @Cliff S. Good resource. Life is about to get more interesting.
--Ed--

You're welcome Ed

Here's some more: Switch to S Mode? - Thurrott.com

Thurrott talks about switching in and out of S Mode. I don't see that happening. IMHO kind of defeats the purpose. The option to switch out to Pro will likely be blocked via GPEDIT or some other manner on corporate PC's or school / instatution owned PC's. And even when its not, its a one way street to Pro. Once you opt out to Pro, and start installing stuff, it only makes sense to block going back to S Mode. Otherwise crippling installed software will just end up being a mess to deal with.