Microsoft took the wraps off its new Windows 10 S operating system today at an education event in New York. The OS is targeted at students and lower end PCs, but will be confined to desktop apps and programs available through the Windows Store.

Windows 10S appears to be Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS, and while it is streamlined–offering a faster 15-second bootup process to the log-in screen than Windows 10 Pro's 30 seconds–the system is limited to using only apps that Microsoft has certified through the store, Windows boss Terry Myerson said. You can use other apps, but Microsoft will require an as-yet-unrevealed fee to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro to do it.

Microsoft's Edge browser is the default, but "Windows 10S will run any browser in the Windows Store," Myerson said, meaning that if Google is willing to put Chrome there, then the new OS would run it.

Machines running the OS can also be quickly setup with preconfigured options through a USB drive, aimed at schools that want to set up all their machines the same way.

Students on a budget will be able to get the OS on some fairly cheap third-party PCs coming this summer for around $189. They will also offer free subscriptions to Minecraft: Education Edition. Schools currently running Windows 10 Pro will get free copies of Windows 10S and free Office 365 productivity software.