Learners in public schools nationwide can now download Microsoft Windows 11 Operating System (OS) for free, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced.
“We recognize the need for accessible OS as we adopted blending learning in the past two years,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.
Briones added that the collaboration with Microsoft Philippines will help “our learners and their families in discovering more opportunities in ICT since they have a safe and legitimate OS for their gadgets.”
The Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), through the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), spearheaded the initiative in partnership with Microsoft Philippines.
DepEd said that learners can now access the free Windows software by logging in to their respective DepEd Microsoft accounts and searching for their region’s webstore.
“Each region has its corresponding link,” DepEd said.
“Upon accessing the regional webstore, select Windows 11 for download. Windows 10 is also available for those who will not meet the system specifications needed to install Windows 11,” DepEd explained.
After selecting the operating system and clicking the add to cart button, learners were instructed to proceed to checkout.
“Follow the instructions after the checkout button until the product key appears,” DepEd said. “Click the link below the product key to start the installation,” it added.
Additionally, DepEd said that a free Windows OS download for teachers will be “coming soon” and will be announced through a separate memorandum.
DepEd said that the step-by-step installation process is available for download through this link: https://depedph-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/trainer_kcatahan_deped_gov_ph/EjUjQLTMd8RIssJiIIZ3L2cBHPD6ab9E8PJ_TzHxzRB09A?e=h7HMq8.
Likewise, a tutorial on the download process can be accessed through this link: https://aka.ms/DepEdDownloadWin11.
Learners who have concerns and questions regarding the Windows 11 download may send an email to [email protected].
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua commended Microsoft for its support in transforming basic education in the Philippines.
“This initiative is a huge step in DepEd’s commitment to equip our learners with up-to-date technology that can help support blended learning and also hone their interests and skills,” Pascua said.