Security News > 2021 > November > Windows 11 SE: Why it's both more and less locked down than Windows 10 S

The policies associated with it will certainly make purchasers think it's a "Student Edition." While there are no actual restrictions on how Windows 11 SE hardware is sold, it's branding that should let potential purchasers know that this isn't a Windows for home or the office: This is only for the classroom.

Where Windows 10 S wouldn't be able to run, say, the Win32 Zoom client, it's supported on Windows 11 SE. It's a shift that puts the Windows education release in line with Microsoft's new Windows Store policies.

If it's supported in Windows 11, it'll run on Windows 11 SE. Or it would if it had permission.

Where Windows 10 S could access the general Windows Store, downloading Appx and MSIX packages, Windows 11 SE is limited to using the browser or applications delivered by Windows Intune for Education.

If a school needs more outside the curated app list, it'll need to switch to Windows 11 Pro Education, which removes most of the guardrails of Windows 11 SE. That option may well be preferred for higher grades, as Windows 11 SE is recommended for K-8.

There's a fine balance to be navigated between open and locked down in Windows 11 SE. Microsoft is aiming to have the best of both worlds, limiting the applications that can be installed to a curated list, while allowing both Win32 and UWP applications to work.

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https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-11-se-why-its-both-more-and-less-locked-down-than-windows-10-s/#ftag=RSS56d97e7