Microsoft has officially confirmed that Windows 11 SE, its education-focused operating system, will reach end of life in October 2026, marking the end of its short-lived attempt to compete with ChromeOS in the school and low-cost laptop segment.
Launched in 2021, Windows 11 SE was pitched as a cloud-first, simplified version of Windows 11 aimed at classroom use, offering streamlined apps, enhanced security, and integration with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive. The OS shipped exclusively on education-focused devices, starting with the Surface Laptop SE, and was primarily targeted at students and schools adopting low-cost PCs.
Final Update and Support Timeline
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 SE version 24H2 is the final major update, and the OS will not receive the 25H2 release scheduled for later this year. After October 2026, all security updates, patches, and feature support will officially end.
Schools currently using Windows 11 SE laptops are advised to transition to full Windows 11 Pro Education or Windows 11 Home/Pro editions to continue receiving security and feature updates. OEMs have already started phasing out new Windows 11 SE devices, focusing instead on Windows 11 Education SKUs with modern cloud and security integrations.
Microsoft’s ChromeOS Rivalry Falls Short
Windows 11 SE represented Microsoft’s latest push to compete with Google’s ChromeOS in K–12 education markets, where Chromebooks dominate due to affordability and cloud-first usability. Despite its lightweight design and simplified management, Windows 11 SE adoption lagged behind ChromeOS, leading Microsoft to rethink its education OS strategy.
With Microsoft Teams, OneDrive cloud storage, and Intune for device management, Microsoft is pivoting toward integrating education features directly into standard Windows 11 editions rather than maintaining a separate OS.
Key Takeaways for Schools and Users
- Windows 11 SE support ends October 2026.
- Final version: Windows 11 SE 24H2.
- No 25H2 update planned.
- Transition to standard Windows 11 editions recommended.
The end of Windows 11 SE signals Microsoft’s shift toward a unified Windows ecosystem while streamlining its education strategy in the face of ChromeOS competition.
