Windows 11 SE Discontinued: Microsoft’s Chrome OS Rival Gone

BREAKING: Microsoft to End Support for Windows 11 SE Educational OS in 2026

Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Windows 11 SE, its specialized operating system designed for budget-friendly laptops targeting the education sector. The company announced that support, encompassing software updates, technical assistance, and crucial security fixes, will conclude in October 2026.

Originally conceived as a direct competitor to Google’s Chromebooks, windows 11 SE was exclusively available to educational institutions, aiming to dissuade them from adopting Chrome OS. Microsoft had hoped this streamlined version of Windows would appeal to schools seeking cost-effective computing solutions.

In an updated support article, Microsoft advises educational customers that while their Windows 11 SE devices will continue to function after the support end date, transitioning to a device supporting another edition of Windows 11 is recommended to ensure ongoing support and security. Notably, microsoft will not be releasing its upcoming 25H2 update for Windows 11 SE, meaning devices will remain on the 24H2 version until support ceases.

Numerous hardware manufacturers,including Acer,Asus,Dell,Dynabook,Fujitsu,HP,JK-IP,Lenovo,and Positivo,had produced laptops running Windows 11 SE. Microsoft itself launched the $249 Surface Laptop SE in 2021 as part of this initiative.

This move marks another attempt by Microsoft to gain traction in a market segment where it has historically struggled against Chrome OS. The company’s previous efforts, such as Windows 10 in S Mode which restricted app installations to the Microsoft Store, faced challenges due to limited application availability. Windows 11 SE followed a similar philosophy, encouraging schools to adopt Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) over traditional win32 applications, with IT administrators requiring explicit exceptions for win32 app usage and Microsoft maintaining a curated list of approved applications.

The decision to phase out Windows 11 SE arrives a year after Gartner highlighted that Chromebooks were experiencing declining market share due to their limited user base and perceived inferior build quality. Chromebook shipments have been on a downward trend since 2022, while the current PC refresh cycle appears to be primarily driven by upgrades to Windows 11, rather than a significant shift towards Chrome OS.

Evergreen Insights:

The challenge of niche operating systems: microsoft’s experience with Windows 11 SE underscores the difficulty in capturing market share with specialized operating systems in highly competitive environments. Success often hinges on broad compatibility,extensive app ecosystems,and user familiarity. The enduring appeal of Chrome OS in education: Despite Microsoft’s efforts, Chrome OS has maintained a strong presence in the education sector. This is likely due to its simplicity, cloud-centric approach, and the perceived cost-effectiveness and manageability offered to IT departments.
The importance of app compatibility: As seen with Windows 10 S Mode and Windows 11 SE’s reliance on PWAs, operating systems that restrict application choices can alienate users and IT administrators if the available options do not meet their needs.
the cyclical nature of PC hardware: The article points to a PC refresh cycle. This highlights that hardware purchasing decisions are influenced by various factors, including operating system advancements, evolving educational technology needs, and the lifecycle of existing devices.
* Microsoft’s evolving strategy: Discontinuing Windows 11 SE suggests Microsoft is re-evaluating its strategy for the low-cost laptop and education markets.Future initiatives might focus on providing more flexible Windows editions that can be effectively managed and secured in educational settings, rather than creating entirely new, restricted OS versions.

How did the focus on cloud services influence Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Windows 11 SE?

What Was Windows 11 SE?

Windows 11 SE, a streamlined version of Windows 11, was specifically designed to compete with Google’s Chrome OS in the education market. Launched in late 2021, it focused on simplicity, security, and affordability, targeting students and educators. Key features included:

Simplified Interface: A cleaner, less cluttered desktop experience.

Microsoft Teams Integration: Deep integration with Microsoft Teams for Education.

Snap Layouts: Enhanced multitasking capabilities with pre-defined window arrangements.

Cloud-Focused: Optimized for cloud-based applications and storage.

Automatic Device Updates: Simplified IT management for schools with automatic updates.

Security Enhancements: Built-in security features to protect student data and devices.

The operating system was initially available on a range of affordable devices from manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. These devices were often characterized by lower specifications,reflecting the cost-sensitive nature of the education sector. The goal was to provide a secure and reliable computing experience for students without breaking the bank for schools.

Why Was Windows 11 SE Discontinued?

Microsoft officially announced the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE in early 2024, with support ending on January 10, 2025. Several factors contributed to this decision:

Limited Adoption: Despite initial enthusiasm, Windows 11 SE failed to gain significant market share against the dominant Chrome OS in education. Chrome OS’s established presence and lower total cost of ownership proved difficult to overcome.

Shifting microsoft Strategy: Microsoft shifted its focus towards integrating more education features directly into standard windows 11, rather than maintaining a separate, specialized version.

Hardware Limitations: The low-cost hardware often paired with Windows 11 SE sometimes struggled to deliver a consistently smooth user experience,impacting user satisfaction.

Competition from Chromebooks: Chromebooks continued to innovate and offer compelling features at competitive price points, maintaining their lead in the education space.

Focus on Cloud Services: Microsoft’s increasing emphasis on cloud-based services like Microsoft 365 Education meant that the specific optimizations of Windows 11 SE became less critical.

Impact on Existing Windows 11 SE Users

The discontinuation of Windows 11 SE has left many schools and students facing a transition. Hear’s what users needed to know:

1. End of Support: As of january 10, 2025, devices running Windows 11 SE no longer receive security updates, feature updates, or non-security fixes. This poses a significant security risk.
2. Upgrade Options: Microsoft offered a free upgrade path to Windows 11 for eligible devices. However, not all devices met the minimum hardware requirements for a smooth upgrade.
3. Device Replacement: schools with devices that couldn’t be upgraded were faced with the need to replace them, possibly incurring significant costs.
4. Data Migration: Users needed to back up their data before upgrading or replacing devices to avoid data loss.
5. Software Compatibility: ensuring compatibility of existing educational software with Windows 11 was a key consideration during the transition.

The Rise and Fall: A Timeline

Late 2021: Windows 11 SE is launched, targeting the education market.

2022: Initial adoption is slow, with Chrome OS maintaining its dominance.

Early 2023: Reports emerge of schools experiencing challenges with Windows 11 SE devices.

Early 2024: Microsoft announces the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE.

January 10, 2025: End of support for Windows 11 SE.

Windows 11 SE vs. Chrome OS: A Comparison

| feature | Windows 11 SE | chrome OS |

|——————-|———————————————-|——————————————|

| Target Market | Education (primary and secondary schools) | Education, general consumer use |

| cost | Typically higher upfront hardware cost | Generally lower hardware cost |

| Applications | Supports a wider range of Windows applications | Primarily web-based applications |

| Offline Access| Better offline functionality | Limited offline functionality |

| Security | Windows Security, enhanced features | Sandboxing, verified boot |

| Management | Microsoft Intune for Education | Google Workspace for Education |

| Updates | Automatic updates | Automatic updates |

What Does This Mean for the Future of Education Technology?

The demise of Windows 11 SE highlights the challenges of competing with Chrome OS in the education sector. It also underscores the importance of:

Affordability: Schools prioritize cost-effective solutions.

ease of Management: Simplified IT management is crucial for schools with limited resources.

Security: Protecting student data is paramount.

**Cloud