Windows 10 S: Microsoft to force customers to use Bing over Google

'We are working with our partners on app compatibility'

Users won’t be able to change the default search provider in Edge from Bing to Google

Many consumers will be disappointed to discover that Windows 10 S won’t play nice with two of Google’s key products.

The new operating system, which is intended as a streamlined and more secure version of Windows 10, was unveiled this week.

It only runs apps that can be downloaded from the Windows Store, which unfortunately doesn’t have the most generous selection at the moment.

It offers some big-name apps, such as Facebook, Instagram and Netflix, but Google Chrome is a huge miss.

There’s a chance that the most popular browser in the world will come to the store ahead of Windows 10 S’ official release, but nothing’s guaranteed and hasn't dropped any hints either way.

“Since Windows 10 S has just been recently announced, we are working with our partners on app compatibility and to provide more detailed information,” wrote Microsoft on its Windows 10 S FAQ page.

“Please check with your app publisher or back on this page in June for the latest information.”

Microsoft’s own Edge browser will unsurprisingly be the default option for Windows 10 S, though users will be able to download an alternative browser, as long as it’s available in the Windows Store.

However, Edge will remain the default browser option.

“You are able to download another browser that might be available from the Windows Store, but Microsoft Edge will remain the default if, for example, you open an .htm file,” explains another entry on the FAQ page.

What’s more, users won’t be able to change the default search provider in Edge from Bing to Google.

This could prove especially annoying, with Google’s search engine widely recognised as a superior product to Microsoft’s.

Windows 10 S is Microsoft’s answer to Google’s Chrome OS, which is great as long as it’s paired with good-quality hardware.

It's being targeted primarily at students and teachers, but should also appeal to regular computer users, as machines running the operating system should be cheaper than fully-fledged Windows 10 devices.