Microsoft will terminate support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, discontinuing its operating system designed to challenge Google’s Chrome OS in the education sector. The company confirmed the end of software updates, security fixes, and technical assistance for the platform, five years after its initial launch.
Windows 11 SE was exclusively available on low-cost educational devices from manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others. Microsoft released its own $249 Surface Laptop SE in 2021 as part of this initiative. The OS encouraged schools to use Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) while restricting traditional win32 applications, requiring IT administrators to create exceptions for approved software.
Devices running Windows 11 SE will remain on the 24H2 version indefinitely, as Microsoft confirmed they won’t receive the upcoming 25H2 update. While hardware will continue functioning after the 2026 deadline, Microsoft recommends transitioning to standard Windows 11 devices for ongoing security.
This marks Microsoft’s latest retreat from Chrome OS competition, following the unpopular “S Mode” in Windows 10 that restricted app installations to the Microsoft Store. The decision aligns with declining Chromebook demand, as shipments have dropped since 2022. Industry analyst Gartner previously warned Chromebooks were “losing market share due to their limited customer base and inferior build quality.” The current PC refresh cycle is primarily focused on Windows 11 upgrades rather than Chrome OS adoption.
