Microsoft announces Windows 11 SE, a special version of its brand-new operating system optimized for educational use. By offering this on affordable laptops like the Surface Laptop SE, Microsoft wants to gain ground in schools that still often opt for Chromebooks.
Windows 11 SE is all about distraction-free learning. Therefore, widgets are not part of it, programs always open in full screen and there are fewer apps to run side by side as snap format. It also includes standard tools that make it easy for system administrators to keep Windows 11 SE laptops up to date.
Many Microsoft apps are of course also present, including Office, OneDrive, Teams and the educational version of Minecraft. Furthermore, not just any program can be installed on it, but Microsoft does allow certain third-party apps. Zoom and Chrome are mentioned as examples here. This is to offer schools more choice in addition to just Microsoft apps.
Stock up cheap
The fact that Chromebooks are so popular in schools is partly because they are relatively cheap compared to Windows laptops. Microsoft is therefore announcing the Surface Laptop SE, with a price tag of $250 (4 GB RAM / 64 GB storage) or $329 (6 GB / 128 GB). You can’t just buy it for yourself, but only by ordering schools.
The Surface Laptop SE is also easy to repair, according to Microsoft. Parts such as the keyboard, screen, battery and motherboard can be replaced without the device having to go to a special repair service. Other brands releasing laptops running on Windows 11 SE in the coming months include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
