Microsoft just announced Windows 11 SE, which looks to be the company's competitor for Chrome OS. This won't be the company's first attempt to come from Chrome OS, but this one does appear to be a little different.
Devices with Windows 11 SE are targeted at the education market, where affordable devices are even more desirable. Chromebooks are ridiculously popular in schools, so it makes sense for Microsoft to want to claim that large market.
Previously, Microsoft tried to take over the education and affordable PC market with S Mode, but the stripped-down version of Windows didn't take off in the way the company hoped. In reality, S Mode just made things difficult, and it seems Microsoft is taking a different approach with the Windows 11 SE.
With this version of Windows, Microsoft is making it available on new low-cost devices. Additionally, it will only be available to schools and education customers.
"We have heard from educators that they need options that are simpler, secure, and work on more affordable devices," says Paige Johnson, vice president of Education Marketing, in a blog post. "This expanded portfolio complements our current Windows 11 devices for learning, providing even more choices for schools to have the tools, insights, and controls they need to deliver optimal learning experiences, at a price that broadens access to Microsoft performance, security, and reliability."
As far as availability, Microsoft says Windows SE devices will roll out later this year and into 2022. It'll start with the new Surface Laptop SE and come to devices from companies such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, and others.