The Book S was released on or about February 14, 2020 with Windows 10 Home pre-loaded (but apparently not digitally activated). This is an approximately $900, Windows 10 compatible computer with Snapdragon 8 cx 2.84GHz; 8 GB RAM, 64-bit operating system, 256 GB SSD and a on-board mircoSSD 1 TB compatible (I installed a 512 GB ScanDisk MicroSSD). Foir whatever reason, the Windows Home installed as a 32 bit operating system, but ceased functioning nevertheless.
Samsung Tech Support claims no digital licensed required even though the Settings showed Windows 10 Home "not activated - digital license required" and refused to function after 25 times use. Windows File Explorer would hang up, then the operating system would fail. Window tech stated the lockdown was an anti-pirate function built-in.
Verizon, to their credit, replaced the initial purchase with a second Galaxy Book S on March 4, 2020. The exact same issue was present again. Samsung again refused to remotely attempt repair and insisted the computer be returned to them. This time I was then told by Windows 10 Tech Support that I needed to purchase a Windows 10 directly from Microsoft.
Notwithstanding the fact that the original purchase already included the Windows 10 software, I purchased Windows 10 Pro on March 4, 2010 ($199.99) and down-loaded it on the second replacement Galaxy Book S.
Much to my surprise after I went to the additional expense and time to download Windows 10 Pro. The computer continued to hang up in 1) File Explorer, 2) does not "shutdown" when requested requiring hard re-boot, which only re-starts the computer, then 3) the computer doesn't recognize the SSD removable storage intermittently, and 4) while trying to troubleshoot the computer tells me a scan of the primary drive is required, and 5) lastly, the computer will initiate a "shutdown" on its own for no reason, but hangs up requiring another hard re-boot - then won't respond to a turn back on for at least 10 minutes - repeating the same cycle. When checking the "trouble shoot history" the system doesn't report any issues??? Ran troubleshoot which did not find any problem!! How is that possible unless its a hardware issue. If it were a hardware issue, then Samsung would have discovered it prior to release.
Verizon Tech Support couldn't figure it out. Samsung Tech Support is a joke for remote assistance, always requiring I send the computer to their "blackhole" tech department. Finally, Microsoft Tech Support took over remotely and finally caused the software to fail as described above. She left the line for 5 minutes then came back and stated Microsoft had not seen these issues on this computer before; further stating it would have to go to the "Escalation Department.
Verizon again to their credit, chose to ship a third replacement computer on the off-chance the issue was hardware related. I received the third Samsung Galaxy Book S yesterday, March 18, 2020, starting the process all over again!
When I initially booted up the computer, the Windows 10 Home pre-loaded initiated the process. When I immediately looked at the Activation status, this third computer stated the exact same thing as the other two computers - "NO DIGITAL LICENSE - NOT ACTIVATED" I took a screen shot as future evidence should this matter not be properly resolved. Immediately however, the File Explorer issue manifested. (that means the same Software issue showed up on 3 separate windows-based computers.
The satire continued after deactivating the Windows 10 Pro Product Key on the second Galaxy Book S, I downloaded the windows 10 Pro (I legally purchased on March 4, 2020) on the THIRD replacement Samsung Galaxy Book S - The identical issues stated above occurred. I contacted Windows 10 Pro Tech Support and was immediately referred to "Level Two Support" I sat on hold for almost 1.5 hours before hanging up the first time, and another 1.5 hours before hanging up the second time.
I then checked to see the Activation status - the system said Activation was not possible because the Windows 10 Pro was activated on another computer and required I purchase yet another Windows 10 from Microsoft. This was becoming more than absurd. The original Windows 10 Home version appeared to be the functioning (or misfunctioning) operating system. However, the Activation window displayed Windows 10 Pro - not functional?
I went back to my Microsoft account, and re-downloaded my Windows 10 Pro program to re-installed for the second time on the immediate computer. The Activation was again denied and the File Explorer issues resumed sporadically making the computer unstable for its intended use and cost.
As of this post on March 19, 2020, I have wasted almost 6 business days in "work time" attempting to resolve what should have been a non-issue had the proper Windows 10 software functioned as represented. I have taken multiple screen shots and documented the multiple tech support case issues, especially with Verizon, as the retailer selling the Samsung product. Three computers all having similar issues is NOT chance - it is a mistake by Samsung, the only company we could not get to respond to this expensive issue! Windows 10 Escalation Dept sent me an email that they will be contacting me this afternoon - so we will get their official version of the issue (we hope?)