How do I use Securly Classroom with Windows devices?

With Securly Classroom, teachers in schools with Windows student devices can view the whole Windows desktop, as well as remotely close Windows apps like they can with Chrome tabs.

To accomplish this, Classroom uses a native Windows MSI file and is not dependent on the use of the Chrome browser or Google logins. Students can use their Active Directory credentials (Microsoft Entra or Local AD) and show up in class.

Securly Classroom:

• Supports Windows 10 and 11.
• Supports any browser, with comprehensive support for Chrome and Edge.
• Can be installed via Group Policy, Intune, SCCM, or any MDM.
• Supports SSO and SAML

What does running a class with Windows devices look like?

This is what a teacher will see when teaching a class with a student using a Windows device with Securly Classroom.

As you can see, the entire Windows desktop is visible, including Chrome, the taskbar, and any other apps the student has open. On the right-hand side, you'll see the open tabs sidebar has been split in two, allowing the teacher to see both open Chrome tabs and open Windows apps.

When viewing Windows apps, click on an app and click Close to close the app.

System Requirements and Specifications

Student Device Specifications

Device Management

All student devices must be school-managed, including BYOD environments

Screen Resolution

Portrait: At least 768 x 1024

Landscape: At least 1024 x 768

Network Information and Recommended Speed

• No local/district server; Amazon servers located in US
• At least 4 Mbps up/down Internet for 500 concurrent connections
• Average student upload is 1kb once an hour
• All product data communications are HTTPS / port 443
• CPU is less than 5%

Windows Specifications

• Windows Operating System (OS):
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 10 32bit/64bit
  • Windows 11
• English/US Localization
• Minimum 512 MB RAM (32bit) or 2 GB RAM (64bit)
• Once installed, the Securly Classroom Agent (a pre-packaged .msi file) will automatically update, unless the school administrator changes this setting.

Teacher Devices and Web Browsers

Teachers and other faculty members access Securly Classroom (deviceconsole.securly.com/classroom) on any type of device via one of the following supported browsers:

• Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari 5+
• Firefox

FAQs

1. What features does Securly Classroom provide on Windows devices?
   Teachers using Securly Classroom in schools with Windows student devices have the functionality to view the whole desktop, as well as remotely close Windows programs like they can with Chrome tabs. This works with no browser extensions and works with the Edge, Chrome, and Firefox browsers.
2. How does Classroom capture the entire Windows desktop on student devices?
   Classroom uses a native Windows agent installable with a single MSI file.
3. How can schools/districts deploy the Windows agent to student devices?
   The Securly Windows agent can be deployed using Group Policy Manager (GPO) from Windows Server. Alternatively, you can use an MDM such as Microsoft InTune or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM). Instructions on how to do this can be found in our Knowledge Base. Note that a custom MSI will be provided to you. If you have not received it, please contact your account manager.  

    

4. Does this mean that schools can use this without Google Chrome?
   Yes! Classroom supports Windows without relying on any Chrome extension or Google logins. Students can use their Active Directory credentials (Microsoft Entra or Local AD) and show up in class.
5. Can Classroom be used in a classroom with both Chrome OS and Windows devices together?
   

   Yes. Students can be in mixed device settings on Chromebooks, Windows, or macOS.

6. When closing a Windows app with Classroom that has a file open with unsaved changes, will changes be saved?
   No, the app will close immediately without prompting the student to save. It’s important to keep this in mind when closing Windows apps. If a student is working on a file and you need them to pay attention, you may want to direct them to save their work rather than immediately closing the app.