Microsoft will cease support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, five years after it’s initial release.The operating system was specifically designed to compete with Google’s Chromebooks in the education sector.

End of Support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft officially announced that it will not release further feature updates beyond Windows 11 SE,version 24H2. Support, including software updates, technical assistance, and security patches, will conclude in October 2026, according to the company’s statement.

Windows 11 SE was exclusively available on devices intended for educational institutions, aiming to dissuade schools from adopting Chrome OS. Google is currently integrating Chrome OS and Android into a unified operating system.

“While devices will continue to function,we recommend transitioning to a device that supports another Windows 11 edition to ensure ongoing support and security,” microsoft officials stated.

The company will not deploy the future 25H2 update for this version of Windows,meaning devices will remain on 24H2 until support ends next year. Manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JK-IP, Lenovo, and Positivo produced laptops running Windows 11 SE, and Microsoft even released its own Surface Laptop model priced at $249.

Microsoft has repeatedly attempted to challenge Chrome OS’s dominance, with limited success. A previous effort involved Windows 10 S, which restricted users to applications available solely through the Microsoft Store. This approach proved unpopular due to the limited app selection.

Windows 11 SE adopted a similar strategy, encouraging schools to utilize Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) instead of customary Win32 applications. IT administrators were required to create exceptions to allow Win32 applications, and Microsoft maintained a curated list of approved applications for Windows 11 SE.

This decision to discontinue Windows 11 SE follows a Gartner warning from last year that Chromebooks were “losing market share due to a limited customer base and lower build quality.” Chromebook shipments have declined since 2022,and the current PC refresh cycle appears to be focused primarily on Windows 11 upgrades,rather than a shift towards Chrome OS.

Background and Context

The competition between Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS in the education market has been ongoing for over a decade. Chromebooks gained popularity due to their affordability, simplicity, and cloud-based nature. Microsoft’s attempts to offer a comparable solution, first with Windows 10 S and then with Windows 11 SE, aimed to provide a secure and streamlined experience for students, while maintaining compatibility with existing educational software.

Historically, the education sector has been a key battleground for operating system vendors. The low cost and ease of management of Chromebooks proved attractive to many schools, particularly those with limited IT resources. Microsoft’s strategy involved creating specialized versions of Windows designed to address these concerns, but ultimately, these efforts did not gain sufficient traction to significantly alter the market landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What will happen to devices currently running Windows 11 SE?

Devices will continue to function, but will no longer receive software updates, security patches, or technical support after October 2026. Microsoft recommends upgrading to a device running a supported Windows 11 edition.

• Is Windows 11 SE being replaced by another operating system?

Microsoft is not currently offering a direct replacement for windows 11 SE. The company is focusing on supporting and enhancing other versions of Windows 11.

• Will schools still be able to use Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) on other Windows 11 editions?

Yes,PWAs can be used on other Windows 11 editions. However, the restrictions and curated app list specific to Windows 11 SE will no longer apply.