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A New Version of Windows 11 for Students Has Been Announced by Microsoft: Surface Laptop SE will Cost USD 249

It was announced on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, that Microsoft will release Windows 11 SE, a new operating system for entry-level laptops, which are aimed at educational institutions.

Along with the new operating system, Microsoft has also revealed plans to launch the Surface Laptop SE in the Windows latest update, which will be available for purchase with a starting price of $249.

Thus, in this article, we are going to talk about the recent updates regarding Windows 11 SE and Surface laptop SE, and how it is going to be beneficial for educational institutions. So, let’s dive straight in!

Windows 11 SE Features

Windows 11 SE is a new cloud-based operating system that has striking similarities to Windows 11 and works on every entry-level device. It is optimized for Microsoft apps, including the Office Suite and Edge Web browsers.

Now, let’s look at the key features available on this stripped-down version of the Windows 11 operating system:

• Only IT administrators are allowed to install third-party apps like Chrome and Zoom. 

• The admins can also control the experience on Windows 11 SE using the cloud-based mobile management service, Intune.

• This version doesn’t include any Microsoft stores to download the apps.

• It uses Snap Assist to maximize the small screen on the smaller devices.

• Microsoft apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and OneDrive are available for offline usage.

• Windows 11 SE gives a similar look to Windows 11. Thus, if you are using Windows 11, you won’t experience difficulty navigating the new operating system.

• It uses fewer hardware resources and claims to have a longer battery life.

These were the key features that you will find in the latest Windows operating system. However, the lacking part about this version is that it doesn’t include the Snap Layouts interface and the widgets section.

Moving on, let’s look at how this version can help the students, who are the target audience.

How Will Windows 11 SE Help Students?

If Windows 11 SE is made for the students, then the question is, “How is it going to help the students?” Let’s find the answer to this question in the section below.

• Whenever the students access File Explorer in Windows 11 SE to find applications and files, the app will open in full-screen mode, eliminating the need for students to worry about resizing the app window. 

• When the students are trying to snap program windows to fit the computer screen, there will be just two options to choose from instead of the six options.

• Because of the coronavirus outbreak, students are often required to continue their education online. Thus, they can take advantage of these affordable laptops to continue their studies.

Microsoft has developed a version of Windows that has a simple design and is easy to use for students. This version is less costly than several general-purpose Windows computers and allows easy access.

Need For Windows 11 SE

It is recognized that not all students possess reliable internet access at home, and the new services are intended to accommodate this fact. Students will be able to save files locally on PCs running Windows 11 SE and Microsoft 365 productivity software licenses.

It allows them to access their system even when they are not connected to the internet. When students can reconnect to the internet, the operating system automatically syncs the modifications.

Additionally, Windows 11 SE systems will be closed down for increased security. To help make sure the device and students remain secure, only IT administrators can download and install Microsoft Office or other apps on the device, according to a blog post by Paige Johnson, Microsoft’s vice president of school marketing.

Surface Laptop SE: Overview

The Surface Laptop SE is a portable and affordable Surface PC, starting at $249. This laptop is specially made for K-8 students and educational institutions and organizations. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 SE and seamlessly runs Microsoft 365.

This laptop claims to offer a new level of repairability that is perfect for IT administrators at educational organizations. Leveraging this feature, you can easily repair the issues related to the display, battery, keyboard, and motherboard without any external assistance.

The other features of this device include a high-definition camera, best-in-class typing experience, reduced sound of keys, and optimized thermals that may improve the overall experience of the users.

Key Specifications of the Surface Laptop SE:

Operating System	Windows 11 SE
Processors	Intel Celeron N4020 or N4120 processor,
RAM	4GB or 8GB
Storage	64GB or 128GB of eMMC
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 600
Battery Life	16 hours+
Price	$249

According to Johnson, Microsoft anticipates that the majority of the Windows 11 SE devices that PC manufacturers have planned will be available for schools to acquire later this year and into 2022. It will become available in the US, UK, Canada, and Japan in early 2022.

Conclusion

This update by Microsoft is expected to make the lives of the people involved in the education sector much easier than before. So, we recommend you look forward to it.

Let’s see if this update to Windows 11 SE and Surface Laptop SE turns out to be a boon or bane for the users.