(Credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 SE, its would-be ChromeOS rival, will not get the next major update later this year, and all support will end in October 2026.
Spotted by German website Dr. Windows, Microsoft has updated its documentation to say it will drop future support for the software designed for low-cost PCs used in schools.
The brand also says this version won’t be updated with the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 feature changes. "Support for Windows 11 SE—including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes—will end in October 2026," the documentation says.
Windows 11 SE was first revealed in 2021 as a way for Microsoft to retain market share in the education space. Many manufacturers made Windows 11 SE devices, including Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop SE, as well as computers from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others.
Those who own these devices will likely want to upgrade to another laptop, or see if their current computer can run another version of Windows 11. However, that doesn't appear likely as Microsoft is recommending users move to another device rather than swapping OS.
"While your device will continue to work, we recommend transitioning to a device that supports another edition of Windows 11 to ensure continued support and security," it says.
Windows 11 SE is a more limited version of the full Windows 11 specifically designed to only run apps certified by school administrators to ensure kids focus on educational tools. Some found the software struggled to run on low-end computers, which meant it wasn't always an ideal ChromeOS alternative. Windows 11 Education is the company’s other option for schools, but it's more expensive to run than Windows 11 SE.