Microsoft discontinues Windows 11 SE support by October 2026 - Chrome OS rival similarly receives no version 25H2 update this year
Microsoft has announced that it will be ending support for Windows 11 SE, an education-focused edition of Windows 11, by October 2026 [1][2][3]. This decision means that schools and administrators must start preparing for a significant transition to ensure their students' devices remain secure and functional.
Windows 11 SE, introduced in 2021, was designed as a response to Google's classroom dominance with Chrome OS [1]. The operating system is locked down to reduce distractions and app selection is strictly controlled, with essential preloaded educational apps such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and Minecraft for Education [1].
However, Windows 11 SE struggled to run well on low-cost devices due to its fundamental similarity to the full version of Windows 11 [1]. This, coupled with Google's Chrome OS, which continues to be a truly lightweight cloud-based operating system designed specifically for low-cost devices, led to challenges for Windows 11 SE.
Once support ends, devices running Windows 11 SE will no longer receive crucial security updates, making them less secure over time [1][3][4]. The end of Windows 11 SE means that schools must purchase new devices that support Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality [1][2][4].
The most straightforward path for schools and administrators is migrating to standard Windows 11 devices from Microsoft or third-party OEMs, ensuring continued support and security post-October 2026 [1][2][3][4].
In addition to transitioning to standard Windows 11 editions, schools might consider adopting Chromebooks or other devices optimized for education if they fit their needs better, though this would involve changing ecosystems [1][2][4].
Administrators may also need to leverage standard Windows management tools and possibly reconfigure device policies as they shift to standard Windows editions that allow broader application compatibility and flexibility [4].
Schools are advised to begin planning this transition well before the end-of-support date to avoid operational disruptions and security risks [1][2][3][4].
[1] Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-11-se-end-of-support-faq-1c40e2a4-0c9c-4864-a4f8-8b922886b68a
[2] The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/29/23303868/microsoft-windows-11-se-end-of-support-october-2026-schools
[3] ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-retire-windows-11-se-in-2026-heres-what-schools-need-to-know/
[4] TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-ends-support-for-windows-11-se-in-2026-heres-what-schools-need-to-know
Devices running Windows 11 SE will no longer receive essential security updates after October 2026, making them less secure over time, so schools must purchase new devices that support Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality.
As schools transition away from Windows 11 SE, they may need to employ standard Windows management tools, reconfigure device policies, and possibly consider adopting Chromebooks or other devices optimized for education, if they better fit the schools' needs, though this would involve changing ecosystems.
