Sarah Tew/CNET

Don't let the new Windows 10 S operating system stop you from buying a Surface Laptop this year.

The streamlined OS limits you to using applications that are in Microsoft's Windows Store. But, as noted in the tech specs for Microsoft's new ultraportable, if you'd rather run non-Store apps, you can switch to Windows 10 Pro for free until December 31, 2017.

Once 2018 hits, the switch to Pro will cost $49. But be warned: Once you upgrade your license key, you can't go back.

Surface Laptop owners will also get one year of Office 365 Personal edition. Out of the box, the software is in preview on the laptop and must be activated within 180 days. This offer ends on October 15, 2017.

The laptop and Windows 10 S were part of several announcements at Microsoft's EDU event on Tuesday.