Windows 11 SE: What You Can And Can't Do In Microsoft's Remote Learning OS

Microsoft launched Windows 11 SE, its new student-focused operating system in the early months 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 provide a simple, distraction-free environment for children, according to Microsoft.

This isn't the first Microsoft operating system designed to be a student-friendly one. Windows 10 S was the student-focused version 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 is focused more on remote management.

Many schools in the United States began remote learning following the pandemic. This was crucial for many school-aged children to continue their education. Microsoft created Windows 11 SE with that in mind.

What is Windows 11 SE? Windows 11 SE is a cloud-first operating system designed for K-8 classrooms, with an easier design and controlled application installation according to Microsoft. https://ejac.org/ isn't sold in stores since it is a classroom-focused software. Instead, Windows 11 SE comes preloaded on certain Microsoft devices that Microsoft plans on selling to schools and educational institutions.

Can you install Windows 11 SE on your laptop at home? Unfortunately, no. Windows SE cannot be installed on your home computer the same way that Windows 10 or Windows 11 could. If you need to, you can purchase another version of Windows and install it on an Windows 11 SE-enabled device, after the device was erased by an IT administrator. The device will not be able revert back to Windows 11 SE, though, so be cautious before taking 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. Apps like Google Chrome or Zoom can also be downloaded. Administrators are able to download and manage additional apps using Microsoft Intune for Education. Microsoft provided this list of the six types of apps that can be downloaded:

Apps for filtering content

Test-taking "solutions"

Accessibility apps

Effective classroom communication apps

Apps for vital diagnostics, management, connectivity, and supportability

Browsers

Apps such as Spotify and Messenger didn't make the cut. This means there are fewer distractions on Windows 11 SE devices. However, Microsoft said apps that operate in a web browser will still work.

You can't alter any of the settings within the operating system. Administrators can only change the settings, just like the apps. Administrators can also remotely wipe the device.

How does Windows 11 compare to Windows 11 SE? The main difference between Windows 11 and Windows 11 SE is that Windows 11 was designed for personal use, whereas Windows 11 SE was designed for remote management in classroom or IT settings. This difference in intent affects how users access the operating system and what applications can be run on it. You can upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10, and Windows 11 has no app limitations. Only administrators can add apps to Windows 11 SE. Even then, they can only choose from a small number of applications. The systems function and look the same otherwise.

If you're interested in Windows 11, you can learn about the Windows 11's top features, or learn about the multitasking capabilities of Windows 11 that can boost your productivity.