For years, Microsoft has been attempting its hardest to imitate the accomplishment of Chrome OS on lower-end gadgets. Windows RT, the organization’s initially failed attempt with ARM gadgets, launched almost a decade prior.

In the meantime, Windows 10 S Mode attempted to handle security worries by restricting app installations, and Windows 10X hoped to improve on the whole OS. Never one to withdraw from a challenge, Microsoft is once again at it with another Chromebook competitor: Windows 11 SE.

Declared today close by some new Surface hardware, Windows 11 SE is, from the jump, planned solely for education. There ought to be no worries here with regards to whether purchasers purchasing this platform will be confounded, staying away from the battles both RT and S Mode looked back post-launch.

Windows 11 SE is worked starting from the earliest stage for students K-8, ideal for running on low-end hardware. In the event that it sounds familiar, this is on the grounds that Microsoft is coming for Google’s throat with this move.

As an education-focused product, Windows 11 SE is restricted in scope. Apps launch in full-screen mode by default, intended to restrict interruptions while in the classroom. Cloud storage is built-in, so you’re not depending on local content for assignments and projects.

Obviously, application installations are likewise limited — the only software on these computers is admin-approved. Third-party software does work with the OS — Zoom and Chrome are specifically called out by default — however Microsoft wants clients to live within its ecosystem. Keeping that in mind, Microsoft 365 and Office applications are accessible out of the box.

To guarantee teachers have educators to browse, a brand-new Surface laptop is launching close by Windows 11 SE. The Surface Laptop SE looks a ton like other low-end Chromebooks you’ll find in schools nowadays, down to its generally low-res 720p 11.6″ display and curved, bulky chassis.

Microsoft guarantees as long as 16 hours of battery life, which ought to be ideally suited for use during a school day. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 or N4120, alongside up to 8GB of RAM, all beginning at just $250.

Nobody reading this can run out to a retail store to get one — it’s intended for students and might be accessible through enterprise channels. In any case, it’s an interesting competitor to Chrome OS, essentially handling Google where it’s seen the most success with its laptops.

With so many schools having already moved to Chromebooks, it’ll be interesting to see whether Microsoft is basically past the point where it is possible to track down a traction in this marketplace. However, contrasted with any semblance of Windows RT and S Mode, this version already appears to be considerably more promising.