Microsoft has essentially confirmed that it is abandoning Windows 11 SE, a specialized version of its operating system aimed at grades K-8. By the end of 2026, support for the educational platform will officially end. The decision marks quite a sharp turn from just a few years ago, when Microsoft positioned the SE as its top “Chromebook killer” and the centerpiece of its strategy to attract schools.
When Windows 11 SE first arrived on the scene in 2021, Microsoft positioned it as the perfect, “purpose-built” tool for younger students. By 2022, they called it the start of a new “PC era,” promising to create a simple, secure and affordable system for districts on a budget. It was designed to correct the shortcomings of the old “S mode” of Windows 10, offering an optimized web interface.
To make this work, Windows 11 SE was much more locked down than the standard version.
It was created specifically to block out distractions; students couldn't just download any app they wanted. Only IT admins had the authority to approve and install software, and any random .exe file a student tried to run would simply fail. To get the ball rolling, Microsoft even released the Surface Laptop SE for just $249, along with lower-priced devices from partners like Dell and HP.
However, Microsoft's latest support documents show that the company's focus has shifted elsewhere. Windows 11 SE has officially finished receiving major feature updates; version 24H2 is the end of the line. Full support, including critical security fixes and technical assistance, is scheduled to end on October 13, 2026.
This is a major headache for schools that currently use these devices.
Once the 2026 deadline arrives, these laptops will no longer receive security updates, making them a major liability in the classroom where student data privacy is non-negotiable. Microsoft is already encouraging schools and IT teams to start looking for hardware that can run regular versions of Windows 11.
For administrators, this creates a nasty budget shortfall. Schools that entered the SE ecosystem expecting a long-term solution must now scramble to find funds for upgrades or replacements—or consider moving to another platform entirely.
The news came to light as people started digging into Microsoft's 2026 “retirement list,” which also includes the end of the road for Office 2021. While your current SE laptops won't stop turning on after 2026, Microsoft is sending a clear signal: their experiment with a “lite” version of Windows for schools is officially over. What will happen next with Microsoft's educational strategy is anyone's guess.
