Microsoft launches Windows 11 SE and Surface laptops for students

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Key notes

  • Microsoft releases the Windows 11 SE to mitigate educational needs. 
  • The Windows 11 SE update now supports third-party applications such as Zoom and Chrome.
  • The Surface Laptop SE is expected to approximately cost users $249. 

Today, Microsoft just unveiled a new version of Windows 11. This is alongside a brand new laptop, to allow them to compete on an even playing field with Chromebooks in the classroom.

Low-cost laptops designed for classrooms can now join in on the bandwagon as they can now readily access Windows 11 SE. However, it is impossible for users to install Windows XE onto your Dell XP3 13 or Surface Laptop 4. 

The updated Windows 11 SE has now incorporated a more streamlined design of the full-fat version. It has completely set aside distractions such as widgets, ultimately simplifying the Snap layouts feature. The updated version also comes with key Microsoft 365 apps pre-installed. 

What’s new

The Windows 11 SE update has gone a step further, as compared to the previous version that predominantly supported Microsoft apps, it now supports third-party apps such as Zoom and Chrome.

Microsoft aims to achieve a user-friendly experience, such as the one provided by ChromeOS. ChromeOS is also predominantly used in the education sector. 

According to Microsoft, there are already several companies that are trying to manufacture cost-friendly laptops. The laptops will be fully optimised to incorporate the Windows 11 SE and will only be sold to schools. 

Dell, HP, Asus, Acer, Lenovo and Dynabook are all onboard to ensure that this plan is successfully executed. Microsoft has also indicated that they have their own laptop in place, the Surface Laptop SE.

The Surface Laptop SE will approximately cost around $249. It will also exclusively feature the Windows 11 SE operating system. 

New Windows 11 SE wallpaper

This rainbow-sherbet-inspired palette of fun, mild-mannered colors is actually the new wallpaper that comes with Windows 11 SE.

You can download a few different variants of the W11 SE wallpaper over on WallpaperHub, so head on over there if this is the color scheme you want for your desktop.

Surface Laptop SE features

Microsoft’s brand new laptop comes with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. These features are essential and are commonly found inside Chromebooks. 

The laptop is expected to provide learners with a smooth performance, thanks to the optimized Windows 11 SE operating system. The laptop also comes with a 11.6 inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution.

However, the laptop does not come with the standard Full HD resolution. Microsoft is more focused on the value added rather than the quality. Besides, the laptops are for educational use only. 

According to Microsoft, the roll out process for the laptops is expected to begin by the end of the year, spilling over into 2022. Although there is no clear indication that the devices will be open to the wider public just yet. 

However, users should be on the lookout for the same. It will be quite nice to see Microsoft providing a budget friendly device for use by the general public. 

Are you thrilled about Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop SE? Which feature stands out most in Windows 11 SE? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. 

More about the topics: Windows 11