Microsoft is killing off Windows 11 SE, its Chrome OS competitor

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 11 SE, its education-focused operating system designed to compete with Google Chromebooks, in October 2026. Windows 11 SE was only available on devices for education customers, such as schools, and it was intended to convince them not to switch to Chrome OS. Microsoft won't release the upcoming 25H2 update for Windows 11 SE, which means that devices will remain on the 24H2 version until support ends next year. Several major laptop manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, have created Windows 11 SE laptops, and Microsoft even launched its own $249 Surface Laptop SE in 2021. Microsoft's decision to discontinue Windows 11 SE comes after a failed attempt to compete with Chrome OS. The software maker had previously created an S Mode that locked Windows 10 down to apps from the Microsoft Store, but it ended up frustrating users due to a lack of available apps. Windows 11 SE took a similar approach, encouraging schools to use Progressive Web Apps (PWA) instead of traditional win32 apps, which required IT admins to create exceptions for devices to run win32 apps. The discontinuation of Windows 11 SE suggests that Chromebooks may be losing market share, as Gartner had previously warned. The PC refresh cycle this year seems to be largely focused on Windows 11 upgrades rather than a shift to Chrome OS.