Alright, Windows has flooded us with talk of its new Windows 11 operating system update, and while we've run into a few issues along the way — especially around its steep and unusual system requirements — in this post we'll break down the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 11 SE, two of the versions available in Microsoft's operating system family.
Windows 11 SE is a new version of the operating system geared toward education and low-cost devices, and there are some important differences in how it works compared to regular Windows 11.
At FullOffice Learning, we took a look at the differences between the two versions, focusing on Windows 11 SE.
The main difference with Windows 11 SE is that it's an operating system built for the education space. That means it's more locked-down than Windows 11, giving users less control. It's designed so a school's IT team can tailor it for younger students, avoiding the kinds of distractions you'd find in a full operating system.
Here are the features that set Windows 11 SE apart from Windows 11:
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Windows 11 SE won't be released for regular computers. Only manufacturers will be able to install it on devices specifically built for education.
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The system is designed for specific low-cost, low-power computers built for it. It's been optimized to run with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
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When students leave school, their computers won't stay connected. They'll be able to work offline, and everything they've done will sync through OneDrive once they're back at school.
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Many of the app configuration settings will be simplified.
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Windows 11 SE doesn't include a widgets section, so students stay focused.
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Documents will be backed up automatically to OneDrive.
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Apps can be installed, but it's the school's IT administrators who decide which apps go on each device.
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It's built to use less battery, so Windows SE devices can last a full day on a single charge.
As you can see, Windows 11 SE isn't meant for just anyone to use, nor for conventional computers. Its focus is specifically on education.
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