Microsoft is ending support for its Windows 11 SE operating system, specifically developed for the education sector. Introduced in 2021, this version was positioned as a direct competitor to Google’s Chrome OS platform.
Windows 11 SE Support Ends
Developed primarily for use in low-cost laptops, the system will be completely discontinued in October 2026. Microsoft’s support document clearly states that software updates, technical support, and security patches for Windows 11 SE will be discontinued.
Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function after support ends, but Microsoft recommends users migrate to devices that support a different version of Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality.
With this decision, the company will not be offering the upcoming 25H2 update for the SE version. This means Windows 11 SE will remain on its latest 24H2 version. Limiting the update cycle to this version effectively begins the operating system’s end-of-life cycle.
Windows 11 SE was designed for the needs of educational institutions and was configured to allow only certain applications to run. Progressive Web App (PWA)-based applications were prioritized over Win32 applications, and IT administrators had to define specific permissions to run Win32 applications. This limited structure was intended to make the system more secure and manageable, but was found to be restrictive in terms of application diversity.
Microsoft had previously undertaken a similar initiative with Windows 10 S, which only allowed applications from the Microsoft Store to run. However, due to a lack of sufficient application support, the system failed to gain the expected traction.
