Microsoft will ditch another version of its desktop operating system, . The US firm has announced that Windows 11 SE will reach end of life in October 2026.
Like Windows 10, which reaches its end of life on October 14, Microsoft will no longer issue new security patches, bug fixes, or new features for its operating systems. If cyber criminals discover a flaw in the software that allows them to steal personal data, install malware, or other nefarious activities — Microsoft won't come to the rescue with an update.
There is an extra year of security updates available for Windows 10, but it'll cost you £22 ...unless . It's unclear whether the same will apply to Windows 11 SE.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 SE will not enjoy the same blockbuster update coming to other versions of Windows 11, including Home and Pro.
Dubbed Version 25H2, this is the second of two feature-packed updates scheduled to launch this year. Windows 11 SE will not be released in the coming months with the other versions. That means Windows 11 SE has already received its final major update from Microsoft, Version 24H2 rolled-out in the second half of last year.
Microsoft quietly revealed its decision through , stating: "Support for Windows 11 SE—including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes—will end in October 2026."
Of course, any existing devices powered by Windows 11 SE will continue functioning after this date, but Microsoft advises transitioning to hardware that runs alternative Windows 11 editions to maintain security and support coverage.
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|Surface Laptop SE was the first dedicated laptop launched by Microsoft for its Windows 11 SE system, which was designed to compete head-to-head with Chromebooks in the education market
Windows 11 SE was announced back in 2021, positioning it as Microsoft's answer to ChromeOS — the operating system that powers millions of low-cost Chromebooks, which is dominant in education worldwide. The streamlined system was designed specifically for classrooms, with its cloud-first functionality and strict administrative controls.
Your options for SE devices included Microsoft's own £249 Surface Laptop SE, alongside models from Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JK-IP, Lenovo, and Positivo.
The system restricted students to pre-approved educational applications like Microsoft Office, Teams, and Minecraft for Education, whilst administrators could add select third-party software such as Google Chrome and Zoom.
If you appreciated the flexibility of full-featured Windows 11, you'd have found the limitations imposed on Windows 11 SE particularly frustrating — it prioritised Progressive Web Apps over conventional Win32 applications and required administrative exceptions for standard software installations.
Your educational institution faces a crucial transition period before October 2026. Schools must now budget for replacement hardware, as existing SE laptops cannot simply switch to standard Windows 11 editions — Microsoft specifically recommends purchasing new devices rather than attempting OS conversions.
If you're an IT administrator managing these systems through Microsoft Intune for Education, you'll need to develop migration strategies for student data stored in OneDrive and plan for the procurement of compatible devices.
The timing proves particularly challenging as schools must allocate funds for wholesale hardware replacement rather than software upgrades. If that sounds like the situation you're in — you're not alone. Countless others must now decide what to do with their fleet of devices, with no formal explanation from Microsoft regarding the discontinuation despite the significant investment schools made in SE-compatible hardware just a few years ago.
You've witnessed Microsoft's repeated struggles against ChromeOS over the years. The company previously attempted Windows 10 S Mode, which confined users to Microsoft Store applications despite the limited selection available. Windows 11 SE represented their most comprehensive effort yet, though it ultimately faced similar challenges.
If you've followed the education technology market, you'll recognise that Chromebook shipments have declined since 2022, with American research and advisory firm Gartner noting its "limited customer base and inferior build quality." Despite this downturn, Microsoft's SE variant couldn't capitalise on the opportunity.