Last Updated on November 10, 2021 by Asif Iqbal Shaik
Microsoft has unveiled a new version of Windows 11, and it is called Windows 11 SE. It is targeted towards students and will compete with Google’s Chrome OS on entry-level laptops. The demand for entry-level laptops has been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic began as schools and colleges were shut for months and students needed something affordable to continue e-learning from their homes. As a result, Chromebooks registered a whopping 275% year-over-year growth. Microsoft doesn’t want to miss out on this opportunity. However, the American software giant didn’t have an operating system that could run smoothly on low-end machines.
The company gave it a try with Windows 10X but its development was discarded later. Now, Microsoft is trying its luck with Windows 11 SE. It is a cut-down version of Windows 11 and is designed exclusively for schools and education customers.
What Is Windows 11 SE And How Is It Different From Windows 11?
Microsoft says that most PCs running Windows 11 SE will feature a smaller 11-inch display, and hence the Windows 11 SE runs apps in full-screen mode. Microsoft is also limiting the number of apps that can be used simultaneously in the Snap Window mode (Microsoft’s version of split-screen).
Windows 11 SE comes preloaded with Microsoft Office which is a big change compared to Windows 11. The Microsoft Office suite of apps includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and OneNote, and it will be available to use offline as part of the Microsoft 365 license.
Microsoft has decided to disable the Microsoft Store app on the education-oriented Windows 11 SE. Also, the company found widgets to be distracting in a classroom environment, so the Windows 11 SE won’t have the Widgets section either. Windows 11 SE will not allow users to access This PC section from File Explorer by default. Microsoft says that most students don’t need to access This PC section when they’re working on school projects.
Chrome extensions will work with the Microsoft Edge web browser on the Windows 11 SE, so those planning to shift from Chrome OS shouldn’t really face any trouble. Microsoft says that Windows 11 SE supports third-party apps, including Chrome and Zoom, and the company is committed to expanding third-party app support on its new operating system.
When Will Windows 11 SE Laptops Launch?
The company also announced its own Windows 11 SE laptop: Microsoft Surface Laptop SE. You can read more about the $275 laptop here in our dedicated article. Microsoft also announced that it is collaborating with major PC makers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, and Lenovo to launch laptops running Windows 11 SE. Expect new laptops from these brands to launch sometime early next year.
The Windows 11 SE will compete directly with Google’s Chrome OS, which is already popular in the segment. So, it remains to be seen how far Microsoft goes with this new experiment.
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