Microsoft has released the Windows 11 student edition (SE), which can be used on low-cost devices  to deliver thorough learning experiences for students up to 14 years of age.

Designed and built during the pandemic with the help of feedback from teachers and school IT administrators, the new version of Windows 11 supports more engaging, collaborative and accessible learning with capabilities like analytics, accessibility and translation tools. 

Windows 11 SE includes Microsoft 365 applications and the Microsoft Office apps – including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and OneDrive – are available to use offline to support students without internet access at home.

The new Education Insights tool reduces administrative tasks so that teachers can focus on helping students to learn. “Education Insights is an app that provides educators with real-time analytics of student engagement, assignment performance, and emotional well-being, in order to help teachers focus their time where the needs are greatest and get a more holistic view of how students are doing,” said Microsoft in a blog post.

Windows 11 SE devices and devices powered by Intel and AMD from Acer, Dell and Lenovo will be released in 2022, with some becoming available to order through education channels at the end of this year. 

The Surface Laptop SE offers new levels of repairability for IT administrators and features a high-definition camera for improved facial awareness, an adjusted keyboard design for a quieter in-class typing experience, and adjusted thermal settings to work in different environmental conditions. 

Devices managed via the cloud will receive silent, automatic updates outside of classroom hours to reduce any disruptions to learning.

Third-party apps including Zoom and Chrome are also supported by Windows 11 SE so that schools can use the applications that work best for them. 

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