It also includes tools to help teachers manage their PCs, such as the ability to easily preload software using a USB key. And while it's separate from Windows 10 S proper, there will be a classroom experience for Microsoft Teams that lets teachers and students chat and collaborate.

Windows 10 S will be ready in the summer, and it's clear that cost will be important: PCs shipping with the operating system will start at prices as low as $189. That's not too far off from the previous floor for new Windows PCs, but it's definitely competitive with Chromebooks. There will be perks beyond the low price, too. Microsoft is promising a year of free access to Minecraft Education Edition as well as Office 365 for Education with Microsoft Teams. Also, schools running Pro editions of Windows in the classroom can move to Windows 10 S for free -- if they're not worried about running non-Store apps, they can move to a newer platform at no cost. The software won't please power users, but you can upgrade to full-fledged Windows 10 for $49 (it's free during 2017) if the Windows Store's catalog proves too limiting.

Check out all the news from the MicrosoftEDU event here.