How to go back to Windows 10 S after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro

windows 10 s surface laptop

The Surface Laptop started shipping last Thursday, and they come with Windows 10 S by default. That means you are confined to using apps from the Windows Store only, which can feel somewhat limiting.

Surface Laptop owners have at least to the end of the year to migrate from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro for free, which allows them to use any Windows applications. However, Microsoft says that Windows S comes with better battery management and enhanced security.

If you own a Surface Laptop and feel you hit the upgrade button from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro. You will be happy to know you can revert back. Although it does beg the question why would you want to limit yourself to using just Windows Store apps; it is common knowledge that there is limited options in that store.

Well, Microsoft puts the case for Windows 10 S as a platform that provides better security and longer battery life on the laptop. If you are on Windows 10 Pro and are now convinced Microsoft were on to something, and that you really should be on Windows 10 S. Here is how you do it:

Download the Recovery Image and reset your Surface Laptop

Microsoft just recently (after shipment of Surface Laptops began) released the official recovery image for the device. Technically, the recovery image should allow you to be able to reset your Surface Laptop to their original state; and they shipped in Windows 10 S.

Go to Microsoft website here, and download the official recovery image for the Surface Laptop. Please note the recovery image is 9GB in size, and you will need reliable and fast enough connection to download all the files in good time.

Delete all your files when going back to Windows 10 S

Unfortunately, by going back to Windows 10 S from Windows 10 Pro, you are in essence resetting your Surface Laptop. That means you will lose all your files on that device, so you better perform a backup before embarking.

It is a bit ironic why Microsoft hasn’t enabled an easier way to downgrade given it is rooting for Windows 10 S. Ideally, the Redmond tech company should make it much easier for people having second thoughts after jumping ship to get back to Windows 10 S.

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