Microsoft first showed off Windows 10X in mid-2020 and many people commented on the similarities to Chrome OS. It was eventually scrapped, but Windows 11 SE can be considered its successor.
Microsoft Windows 10X was not even the first time Microsoft attempted to take on the popularity of Chromebooks in schools. The S Mode in Windows 10 locks down the system to only apps from the Microsoft Store. S Mode is still an option in Windows 11, but the SE version is restricted in other ways.
Every few years, Microsoft launches a new edition of their famous Windows operating system. The most current edition of it, Windows 11 has just been launched in October 2021 and it claims many promising features over its predecessor Windows 10.
Windows 11 SE for Students
Microsoft did not explain what exactly the “SE” stands for, but it might as well be Simple Edition or Student Edition because that is the focus of SE. It’s a simplified version of Windows aimed at students in K-8 classrooms.
In addition, on the surface, it looks just like the regular version of Windows 11. Unlike S Mode, it is not restricted to just Microsoft apps. It gives room for Students to use third-party browsers, Zoom, and other apps they might need on their devices. It is up to the school’s IT department to install whatever apps they need on it. Microsoft Windows 11 SE is optimized for Microsoft apps, but not restricted to them.
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There are some functional changes made in Windows 11 SE compared to Windows 11 and they are pretty minor changes. Microsoft Edge will be able to use Chrome extensions by default—this is turned off in Windows 11. Apps always launch in full-screen mode and Snap Layouts have been simplified to just two side-by-side modes. The widget section has also been removed.
Furthermore, SE is Windows 11 with some of the fat trimmed. It’s not remarkably different, but Microsoft is positioning it as a slimmed-down version of Windows for affordable, low-powered computers.
Windows 11 SE for Schools
As we all know, Schools and students are what Windows 11 SE is all about. This is a big play by Microsoft to take on the Chromebooks that have skyrocketed in popularity in classrooms. Price is one big reason why Chrome OS devices have taken off in these environments.
Microsoft Windows 11 SE will only be available on low-cost laptops that are sold to schools. Many major Windows manufacturers will be releasing Windows 11 SE laptops, including Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Microsoft itself is releasing the Surface Laptop SE at a cheaper price. However, it will not be offered for sale to the general public.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop SE is a good look at what these laptops will offer. It has an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display. The current crop of SE devices sports similar specs in the $240-330 range.
However, Windows has struggled with specs like that. $250 Windows laptops certainly exist, but the experience is not great. The SE is specifically optimized for 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage devices.
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Windows 11 SE Laptops Release Date
Microsoft says Windows 11 SE laptops will begin arriving later this year (2021) and early 2022. The Surface Laptop SE is slated to be released early next year. Other SE laptops from Dell, Acer, HP, Asus, Dynabook, Fujitsu, JK-IP, Lenovo, and Positivo will be available around the same time.
Sadly, the SE laptops will be sold exclusively to schools and students. It’s not clear what requirements you will need to meet to purchase a device as a student. The goal of these devices is to take down Chrome OS in classrooms, and Microsoft is very focused on that. Windows 11 standard is the version they want most people to use. Visit our website again for the latest information on Windows operating system updates and to learn about version SE.
Would you like to read more Windows 11-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
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