The popularity of Chromebooks in schools across the pond is enormous. Beyond the drop in sales due to the end of restrictions and the return to in-person classes, Google's systems hold a privileged position... but Microsoft wants a piece of the pie. Its new attack strategy includes a low-cost Surface line, and most importantly: Windows 11 SE, a special version of Windows 11 that removes part of the traditional bloatware, including the Microsoft Store. The problem? We can't download it... for now.
Our plea for lighter versions of Windows has stretched for decades, but it's clear that Redmond has a problem with that, or simply doesn't get the message. Its interpretation of 'lightweight' led to variants like Windows 7 Starter, the failed Windows RT for ARM devices, and Windows 10 S, later transformed into 'S mode'. However, this time the story might be different.
Why? Chromebooks. Redmond has its sights set on Google's low-cost ultraportables, especially for their popularity in educational environments. What does Microsoft plan? On one hand, offer budget computers under its Surface line at $250, possibly dropping to $219 once major brands (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer) prepare their own models. And on the other, include a special variant of Windows 11 in these devices, called Windows 11 SE.
Windows 11 SE: Microsoft's Answer to Chrome OS
(Editor's note: Skip to six minutes to see the operating system.)
Available information suggests Microsoft spent the last year and a half talking with teachers and students to get feedback on developing a low-cost ultraportable, and part of that feedback is reflected in Windows 11 SE. One of the most important changes is that the operating system does not include the Microsoft Store, and does not completely block the installation of external software. Administrators can add programs like Chrome and Zoom, while Microsoft Edge will support Chrome extensions out of the box.
At the same time, Windows 11 SE opens all apps in full screen, does not include support for widgets (apparently a distraction in class), and replaces Snap Layouts with a simplified version that places windows side by side. In some Windows 11 installations, users have found duplicate versions of OneNote and Microsoft Teams, but Windows 11 SE eliminates that confusion at the root, integrating a single version of each program. Finally, Windows 11 SE prioritizes cloud use, meaning all documents are saved to OneDrive by default… but offline support is available.
Not for Me, Not for You
As expected, there's a giant asterisk at the end of all this: We can't buy the laptop or download the operating system, unless we're part of the education world. I imagine the availability of the computers will be a bit more flexible once OEMs enter the equation, but what truly leaves us puzzled is the situation of Windows 11 SE. Apparently, it won't be available separately (i.e., you'll have to buy a new device to get it), and administrators won't be able to reinstall it if it gets removed or replaced by another edition.
At this point, I think Microsoft is repeating old mistakes. We fully understand that the priority of the low-cost Surfaces and Windows 11 SE are K-8 educational spaces (essentially, children under 14), but that restriction on availability takes firepower away from administrators, who could easily install Windows 11 SE on existing computers. Even so, something tells me the ISO will leak sooner or later...
Sources: The Verge, Ars Technica
