Windows 11 SE has been released as Microsoft’s latest attempt to take on Google’s Chrome OS. The new Windows operating system is intended for entry-level laptops – targeted at students and teachers. It is also optimized for Microsoft apps including the Office suite and the Edge browser. However, users can also get third-party apps including Zoom and Chrome. Along with Windows 11 SE, Microsoft has launched Surface Laptop SE as its answer to Chrome OS-based Chromebooks. This new machine runs on Windows 11 SE out-of-the-box and is specially designed for school students.
Windows 11 SE Features
Microsoft Has brought Windows 11 SE as a stripped down version NS windows 11 To work on entry level devices. It is said to bring a “distraction-free” environment for the students, where they are not allowed to install any third-party applications on their own. Windows 11 SE is also not included Microsoft Store To download any new app. Still, IT administrators may choose to have some third-party applications. chrome And zoom Those are among the earliest apps available for Windows 11 SE, though Microsoft hasn’t yet provided details of all of its supported apps.
Aside from the lack of Microsoft Store, Windows 11 SE does not have the Snap Layout interface that is available on the regular Windows 11 release. The Widgets section is also missing in the new Windows version.
Microsoft says it designed Windows 11 SE after taking feedback from teachers and school IT administrators. This means that the new operating system may not be useful for all use cases.
IT administrators can control the experience on Windows 11 SE by using the cloud-based mobile device management service Intune for Education or Intune. The operating system also comes preloaded with Microsoft Edge to let users access web-based apps and websites.
Microsoft Office including apps word, power point, excel, one note, And A campaign Also available for offline use on Windows 11 SE devices. In addition, Microsoft has promised to expand third-party app support on the new platform over time, with apps coming from categories such as general test taking, accessibility, content filtering, classroom orchestration.
On its interface part, Windows 11 SE gives a similar look and feel that you get on Windows 11. There’s a centrally aligned Start Menu button and refreshed taskbar. The operating system is also claimed to help deliver better battery life by using less hardware resources.
Windows 11 SE is not available for all device configurations and is only available for machines with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. description Available on the FAQ page. Users who are on Windows 11 SE are not provided with a native way to switch to standard Windows 11 or Windows 10. Although IT administrators can install the Windows operating system on a Windows 11 SE device, in this case the device will no longer be able to revert to Windows 11 SE.
Importantly, Windows 11 SE is not the first attempt by Microsoft to introduce Chrome OS As it had taken similar steps in the past as well. was the most recent Windows 10 S launch that later in 2017 switch to s mode on a regular basis Windows 10, However, the Redmond company has not been able to attract a large number of students and teachers to opt for its solutions over Chrome OS.
Surface Laptop SE price, availability
Surface Laptop SE cost will start At $249 (about Rs 18,500) for the base 4GB RAM + 64GB storage configuration. The laptop also comes in 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant which costs $329 (approximately Rs. 24,400). reports The verge. Both options will be available through education channels in the US, UK, Canada and Japan from early 2022.
In addition to the Surface Laptop SE, PC makers including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JP-iK, Lenovo and Positivo are bringing their Windows 11 SE models later this year and in 2022.
Surface Laptop SE Specifications
Surface Laptop SE runs Windows 11 SE out-of-the-box and sports an 11.6-inch display with 1,366×768 pixels resolution that brings 16:9 aspect ratio. The laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 or N4120 processor, along with Intel UHD Graphics 600, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage. It comes with a 720p webcam for video chats.
Connectivity-wise, the Surface Laptop SE has a single USB-A port – along with a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The laptop also has stereo speakers and is rated to deliver up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge.
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