UAE schools warn against unauthorised device modifications ahead of exams

Dubai: Several public school administrations have issued circulars instructing students who use non-ministry personal devices to perform the necessary system updates to ensure maximum digital readiness and uninterrupted access to online learning platforms.

In circulars shared with students and parents reviewed by Emarat Al Youm schools stressed the need to update all non-ministry personal devices used on campus to ensure compatibility with digital learning platforms and to enhance their safe and efficient use within the school environment.

 According to the circulars, personal devices require installation of essential updates and software provided through official links, depending on the device type and operating system. This step is necessary to ensure seamless performance with approved educational systems, smooth learning processes, and full readiness for electronic examinations.

 The circulars included official links to update the secure browser and approved learning applications, as follows:

      •     Secure browser for Windows devices: moe.ae/pcsec

      •     Secure browser for Mac devices: moe.ae/macsec

      •     SwiftAssess app for iPad: moe.ae/Swiftiosapp

      •     SwiftAssess app for Android tablets: moe.ae/Swiftandapp

 School administrations stated that these updates form part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and reliable digital learning environment, allowing students to use educational systems without malfunctions or technical risks. They emphasized that ministry-issued devices are updated automatically and require no action from students.

Parents were urged to assist in completing the required updates as soon as possible, in the interest of students and to support the continuity of the educational process in line with the highest approved technical standards.

 Separately, several UAE public schools issued an important warning to students regarding tampering with ministry-issued computers ahead of the end-of-term examinations for the 2025–2026 academic year. Schools cautioned that any modification to the device’s operating system could prevent students from accessing electronic exams.

 According to internal circulars and notices, teaching teams have detected cases of students installing unauthorized versions of Windows or downloading unapproved applications, resulting in technical issues affecting the devices’ performance and core operating system.

 Administrations warned that individually modifying operating systems can lead to serious malfunctions that may prevent students from accessing the online examination platform, even if they are physically present at school on the day of the test. Schools also clarified that they bear no responsibility for technical failures caused by such unauthorized changes.

 Schools called on all students especially those who have made unauthorised changes or updates  to immediately visit the school’s technical support office or computer teachers to verify the integrity of their devices and restore the approved ministry system, ensuring full readiness for exams.

Administrations stressed that completing this process is urgent and essential before the start of end-of-term exams, warning that delays in fixing system issues may prevent students from sitting for the electronic exam. Schools reiterated the importance of adhering strictly to technical guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education to ensure smooth, efficient, and secure exam operations.

Schools also highlighted the importance of preparing devices in advance to ensure smooth performance during electronic examinations. Students were urged to test exam access links, avoid unnecessary updates to the Secure Lockdown software, and limit updates to essential browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge to maintain system stability during tests.

School administrations announced the assignment of a dedicated technical support engineer on Thursday, November 13, to assist students. They encouraged students to bring ministry-issued devices fully charged and ready for inspection or repair if needed.

Students were also asked to attach an identification tag to their device, including their name, academic number, grade, track, password, and a clear description of the technical issue, to expedite support services and ensure device readiness prior to final exams.