Windows 11 SE is officially out, and here's everything you need to know about Windows 11 SE

So what is Windows 11 SE actually? What's exciting about this new operating system? Let's find out right here.

All information about Windows 11 SE

Starting with the name itself, "SE" is not actually an abbreviation for any particular phrase. Microsoft said it chose this name to distinguish it from other Windows versions of the operating system. However, it seems that Microsoft has also referenced Apple's product naming. Similar to iPhone SE models in general, Windows 11 SE is somewhat more compact and lighter than other versions of Windows 11, with a lot of streamlining experience. In fact, Microsoft also says that the operating system itself will be aimed primarily at educational environments, simple office work, and can run well on PC systems with hardware configurations. not too strong.

Windows 11 SE will be distributed worldwide except China, because of strict government content requirements that Microsoft has not been able to meet. Surface Laptop SE - the first laptop model running on Windows 11 SE - has been on sale since today. But the hardware market based on Windows 11 SE will only be really active from the beginning of 2022, when a series of different products running on this operating system platform will be launched by manufacturers, in which Weak laptop.

In general, the main competitive market of Windows 11 SE is in the segment of low-end computers that support basic office, study, or entertainment tasks. This is also the market segment that is witnessing the rapid development of Chrome OS and Chromebook models in general in the past few years. Talking about this issue, Microsoft confidently asserts:

'The cost you have to pay for a Windows 11 SE device is not higher than a Chromebook solution. However, when you consider other benefits, such as management, productivity, and accessibility features, Windows 11 SE is actually more affordable. Windows 11 SE includes more built-in accessibility features. At no extra cost, reducing the need to purchase third-party solutions. In addition, schools that use Chromebook devices need to pay a registration and management service fee. While the price per Microsoft Windows 11 SE device includes all costs related to manageability (Intune), Microsoft Office, Minecraft: Education Edition, and many other utilities. Microsoft will also offer paid options for users to optimize their personal experience'.

Microsoft does not recommend using Windows 11 SE for personal use. But if you want, you can completely buy a Windows 11 SE device, erase all your data and the operating system completely, and install another license of Windows. It's also important to note, though, that you won't be able to reinstall Windows 11 SE on those devices.

If you are wondering what the differences are between Windows 11 versions, you can refer to the following Microsoft comparison table:

As can be seen from the above, Windows 11 SE cannot install all kinds of applications because it is tweaked mainly for educational environments where IT admins will create relatively limited environments and avoid distraction. It doesn't have a Microsoft Store and only supports 6 categories of apps that can be installed through Win32 and Universal Windows Platform (UWP), enabled by IT admins, including:

1. Content filtering application
2. Solutions for quizzes
3. Accessibility apps
4. Effective classroom communication application
5. Essential diagnostics, management, connectivity and support applications
6. Web browsers

Windows 11 SE requires Intune for Education for management and deployment purposes. Educational institutions can subscribe to Microsoft 365 and manage devices through Intune for Education subscriptions. IT admins can also take advantage of Windows Autopilot to manage devices running Windows 11 SE.

Windows 11 SE doesn't have an image file, so you won't be able to install or transfer it to machines that aren't running Windows 11 SE. Authentication via Azure Active Directory (AAD) and Microsoft Account (MSA) is available immediately, and support for other forms of authentication depends on your infrastructure setup. Currently, Windows 11 SE does not support in-place authentication.

Regarding the differences between Windows 11 SE and Windows 10 in S mode, Microsoft has pointed out the following key points:

1. Windows 11 SE has a simpler user interface that reduces distractions and focuses on education.
2. There is no Microsoft Store for Windows 11 SE, so education administrators can control which apps and tools students download.
3. Windows 11 SE has built-in enhancements to optimize performance on low-cost hardware setups.
4. There is no way to upgrade or switch from Windows 11 SE to Windows 11, while users can switch from Windows 10 S mode to the full version of Windows 10 at any time.
5. Windows 10 in S mode is simply built to limit apps; Other improvements are yet to be developed.
6. Windows 11 SE is optimized for use in organizations, while Windows 10 in S mode is already available for individual users.

Microsoft also emphasizes that Windows 11 SE is designed as a cloud-based operating system, which means it requires less memory and can be faster than traditional versions of Windows in some cases. certain use case.

The Microsoft Office Win32 apps included with Windows 11 SE can be used offline, and OneDrive can also save files locally and intelligently. Microsoft also notes that this version of Windows 11 SE allows files to only use OneDrive as a cloud storage option, although it can be expanded to include other options.

The system requirements of Windows 11 SE are exactly the same as those of Windows 11. Furthermore, this operating system is only available for devices with 4/8GB RAM and 64/128GB storage. Microsoft 365 or Office 365 A3 or A5 licenses can be used on computers running this OS.

If you want to learn more details, refer to the Microsoft FAQ document here.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 November 2021