Microsoft ends Windows 11 SE as it concedes defeat in Chrome OS battle
Microsoft has announced it will end support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, effectively discontinuing the education-focused OS aimed at competing with Google’s Chrome OS. Launched in 2021, Windows 11 SE ran on low-cost laptops with restrictions designed for classroom use and limited third-party app support. Despite efforts to gain market share in the education sector, Microsoft failed to gain traction, and no new devices will be updated with its upcoming 25H2 build. Schools are now advised to migrate to other Windows editions.
This marks the end of another chapter in Microsoft’s repeated but unsuccessful attempt to challenge Chrome OS in the classroom market.
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