Windows 11 SE: A Short-Lived Battle Against Chromebooks

A Five-Year Run Ends

Microsoft's Windows 11 SE, introduced as a budget-friendly alternative to Google's Chromebooks for schools, is being discontinued. After five years, Microsoft has decided to stop supporting the operating system starting October 2026.

No More Updates

• No further updates will be released for Windows 11 SE.
• Devices will remain on their current version until support ends.
• Security fixes will no longer be provided after the cutoff date.

A Brief History

• Windows 10 S Mode was Microsoft's first attempt to compete with Chrome OS, but it failed due to a lack of apps in the Microsoft Store.
• Windows 11 SE took a different approach, focusing on Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) instead of traditional Windows apps.
• IT admins had to make special exceptions to run regular Windows apps, as Microsoft maintained a strict list of allowed apps.

Why the Shift?

• Chromebooks have been declining since 2022.
• Schools have been upgrading to Windows 11 rather than switching to Chrome OS.

What's Next for Schools?

Microsoft recommends that schools using Windows 11 SE transition to other versions of Windows 11 to continue receiving updates and security support.