Windows 11 SE: What You Can And Cannot Do With Microsoft's Remote Learning OS
Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE, its new operating system for students in the beginning of November, following the launch of Windows 11 in October. Windows 11 SE was built with students and teachers in mind, and is designed to offer a simple, uncluttered environment for children according to Microsoft.
This isn't the first student-focused operating system Microsoft has made. Windows 10 S was the version for students of Windows 10. However, Microsoft claimed that this version of Windows 10 only prevented certain apps from downloading. This is similar to parental controls. Windows 11 SE, on the other hand, is an operating system that focuses more on remote management.
After many schools across the United States started remote learning during the epidemic, access to reliable hardware and software was crucial for many school-age children to continue their education. Microsoft made Windows 11 SE with that in mind.
What is Windows 11 SE? Microsoft Windows 11 SE is an operating system built for cloud computing that's designed for K-8 classrooms. It has a simple design and controlled application installation. The software isn't available in stores as it is designed for classroom use. Instead, Windows 11 SE comes preloaded on certain Microsoft devices that Microsoft plans to sell to schools and educational institutions.
Is it possible to install Windows 11 SE on a home laptop? Unfortunately, no. Windows SE cannot be installed on your home computer in the same way as Windows 10 or Windows 11 could. However, you can purchase another version Windows and install it on your Windows 11 SE-enabled laptop once it has been wiped by an IT administrator. However the device won't be able to change back to Windows 11 SE. So be careful when you take the next step.
Which apps are compatible with Windows 11 SE devices? Microsoft Office, Teams and Minecraft for Education are all preloaded on Windows 11 SE devices. Applications like Google Chrome or Zoom can also be downloaded. Administrators are able to download and manage additional apps using Microsoft Intune for Education. Microsoft gave this list of six kinds of apps that can be downloaded:
Apps to filter content
Test-taking "solutions"
Accessibility apps
Effective classroom communication apps
Essential diagnostics, management, connectivity and supportability apps
Browsers
Apps such as Spotify and Messenger weren't included in the list. This means less distractions on Windows 11 SE devices. Microsoft declared that apps that could be used in a web browser would still function.
It is not possible to alter the operating system's settings. As with the apps, only administrators can change these settings. Administrators can also remotely wipe the device.
How does Windows 11 compare? Windows 11 SE and Windows 11 SE differ in that Windows 11 was intended for personal use, whereas Windows 11 SE was created to manage remote IT or classroom settings. The different goals influence how users access the operating system and which apps can be installed on the system. Windows 11 can be upgraded from Windows 10. Windows 11 does not have any restrictions on apps. Only administrators can install apps on Windows 11 SE. Even then, Minecraft Servers are able to select a limited number of apps. The operating systems function and appear identical to each other.
If you're interested in Windows 11, you can learn about the Windows 11's best features, or discover more about the multitasking capabilities of Windows 11 which can improve your productivity.