Windows 11 SE to lose support by October 2026, raising concerns for educational institutions
Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 11 SE, a specialized operating system for education, in October 2026, potentially forcing schools to upgrade hardware to maintain security.
If you thought Windows 10 was the only operating system Microsoft was phasing out, think again. While Windows 10’s support ends on October 14, 2025, marking the close of its decade-long run, Microsoft has also quietly decided to discontinue support for Windows 11 SE, an education-focused version of Windows 11. This decision could pose significant challenges for schools relying on budget-friendly devices.
End of Support Details
Windows 11 SE’s Sunset
Microsoft confirmed via an update to its support page, as noted by Dr Windows, that Windows 11 SE will cease receiving feature updates after version 24H2, with all support—including software updates, technical assistance, and security patches—ending in October 2026.
“Devices will continue to function, but we urge transitioning to hardware supporting other Windows 11 editions for ongoing security,” Microsoft advised. This move leaves schools with just 14 months to prepare, potentially requiring costly hardware upgrades.
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Impact on Education
The termination of Windows 11 SE support is a headache for educational institutions, particularly those using low-cost laptops designed for the OS. IT administrators may need to replace devices to ensure compatibility with standard Windows 11, which demands more robust hardware. “This could strain school budgets,” said tech analyst Sarah Patel, noting that schools adopted Windows 11 SE for its affordability and cloud-first design.
Windows 11 SE’s Purpose
Designed for Education
Launched in 2021, Windows 11 SE was Microsoft’s answer to Google’s Chromebooks, tailored for schools with low-powered, budget-friendly PCs. Unlike standard Windows 11, it lacks the Microsoft Store, restricting users to pre-installed apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, with data saved to OneDrive.
This cloud-first approach aimed to compete with Chrome OS by offering a streamlined experience for educational settings.
Market Challenges
Microsoft positioned Windows 11 SE to capture the education market, with devices like the Microsoft Surface Laptop SE and models from Acer and HP. However, the OS struggled to rival Chromebooks, which dominate schools with their simplicity and Google app integration. “Microsoft couldn’t match Google’s ecosystem,” said industry expert Dr. Emily Chen, suggesting the company is now focusing resources on standard Windows 11.
Broader Context
Windows 10’s Parallel End
Microsoft’s decision to end Windows 11 SE support follows its plan to phase out Windows 10 in October 2025, as reported by Express.co.uk. Windows 10 users face a choice: upgrade to Windows 11 for free, if their hardware supports it, or pay $30 annually for continued security updates.
Aging PCs may struggle with Windows 11’s requirements, pushing users toward new hardware purchases.
Strategic Shift
The move to discontinue Windows 11 SE likely reflects Microsoft’s retreat from competing directly with Chrome OS in the education sector. “Microsoft is consolidating its efforts around Windows 11 to streamline development,” said Chen.
Posts on X echo concerns about the impact on schools, with some users warning of cybersecurity risks if vulnerabilities in Windows 11 SE go unpatched after 2026 ().
Implications for Users
Challenges for Schools
Schools using Windows 11 SE devices, such as those distributed for student use, may face disruptions. Parents should check if their child’s school laptop runs this OS, as upgrades or replacements may be needed by October 2026 to maintain security.
The shift could exacerbate digital divides in underfunded schools, a concern raised in X discussions about equitable access to technology ().
Future of Windows
Microsoft’s focus on Windows 11 signals a strategic pivot to a unified platform, but it risks alienating users reliant on specialized versions like Windows 11 SE.
The company’s push for Windows 11 adoption aligns with broader 2025 tech trends, such as AI-driven systems () and increased scrutiny of tech giants’ market strategies (), highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with accessibility.
This article is based on a report by Henry Burrell, Deputy Technology Editor, published by Express.co.uk on August 11, 2025, updated at 12:00. Additional context was drawn from posts on X discussing Microsoft’s decision and its impact on schools.
