Microsoft has essentially confirmed that it is pulling the plug on Windows 11 SE, the dedicated version of its operating system for K-8 classrooms. By the end of 2026, support for the education-focused platform will be officially completed. This decision represents a pretty sharp turnaround from a few years ago, when Microsoft touted SE as its big “Chromebook killer” and a central part of its strategy to attract schools.
When Windows 11 SE first launched in 2021, Microsoft marketed it as the perfect, “purpose-built” tool for younger students. By 2022, they called it the beginning of a new “era of PC,” promising a simple, secure and affordable facility for cash-strapped districts. It was intended to address the shortcomings of Windows 10’s old “S Mode” by providing a streamlined “web-first” experience.
To make it work, Windows 11 SE has been locked down much more tightly than the standard version
It is specifically designed to block distractions. Students couldn’t just download any app they wanted. Only IT administrators had the authority to approve and install software, and any random .exe file a student tried to run simply failed. To get the ball rolling, Microsoft even launched the Surface Laptop SE for just $249, alongside low-cost 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 officially receives major feature updates; Version 24H2 is the end of the line. Full support – including these critical security patches and technical assistance – is expected to end on October 13, 2026.
This is a significant problem for schools that currently use these devices
Once that deadline is reached in 2026, these laptops will no longer receive security updates, making them a major risk in a classroom where student privacy is non-negotiable. Microsoft is already asking schools and IT teams to look for hardware that is compatible with regular versions of Windows 11 instead.
This creates a frustrating budget gap for administrators. Schools that have bought into the SE ecosystem and expect a long-term solution must now scramble to find funding for upgrades or replacements – or consider switching to a different platform entirely.
The news came to light as people began digging through Microsoft’s 2026 “retirement list,” which also includes the end of Office 2021. Even though 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 education strategy is still unclear.
