Windows 11 SE: What You Can And Can't Do In Microsoft's Remote Learning OS
Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE, its new operating system for students in the early months of November, following the rollout of Windows 11 in October. According to Microsoft, Windows 11 SE was designed with teachers and students in mind. It is meant to create a safe and simple environment that children can enjoy.
This isn't the only student-focused operating system Microsoft has created. Windows 10 S was the student-oriented version of Windows 10, but Microsoft said the version of Windows 10 only blocked certain applications from downloading similar to parental controls. Conversely, Windows 11 SE is an operating system completely separate from Windows 10 with a focus on remote management.
Many schools across the United States began remote learning following the outbreak. This was essential for many children in school to continue their education. In this regard, Microsoft created Windows 11 SE.
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 features a simplified design and controlled installation of applications. Since the software is geared towards classrooms it is unlikely to see it in stores. Windows 11 SE is preloaded on select Microsoft devices. Microsoft plans to sell to education organizations.
Do you have the ability to install Windows 11 SE on your home laptop? SOMETIMES , no. You can't install Windows SE on your home laptop the way you would upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. If you need to upgrade, you can buy a different version of Windows and install it on the Windows 11 SE-enabled device once the device was erased by an IT administrator. However the device won't be able to revert to Windows 11 SE. So be careful before you take that step.
What apps work 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. Only administrators are able to download and manage other applications through Microsoft Intune for Education. Microsoft has made available this list of six types of apps available for download:
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 that there are less distractions for Windows 11 SE users. Microsoft stated that apps that can be used with web browsers will function.
You can't also change the operating system's settings. Administrators are only able to change settings, the same way as the apps. Administrators can also remotely wipe the device remotely.
How does Windows 11 compare? The main difference between Windows 11 and Windows 11 SE is that Windows 11 was designed for personal use, while Windows 11 SE was designed for remote management in IT or classroom settings. The different intentions affect how users can get the operating system and which applications can installed on the system. Windows 11 can be upgraded from Windows 10. Windows 11 has no limitations on apps. Only administrators can install apps on Windows 11 SE. Even the administrators can only select a few of applications. The operating systems function and appear identical if you do not.
If you're interested in Windows 11, you can learn more about Windows 11's best features, or learn more about the operating system's multitasking features which can improve your productivity.