Chromebooks Archives

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft announces end of support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft announced that support for Windows 11 SE will end in October 2026. Windows 11 SE is designed for education, running on web-first devices with essential education apps and Microsoft Office 365 preinstalled. After version 24H2, no feature updates will be released, and support will cease, including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. While devices will continue to function, users are advised to transition to another edition of Windows 11 for ongoing support and security. Windows 11 SE was developed to compete with Chromebooks in the educational market but faced challenges due to its diminished user experience.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft announces end of support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft has announced that it will phase out Windows 11 SE, with support and updates ending in October 2026. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments and low-spec devices, featuring essential educational applications and Microsoft Office 365 (subscription required). The decision comes as Chromebooks gain popularity in the educational sector. Microsoft will not release any feature updates after version 24H2, and users are advised to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for continued support and security. The operating system has been criticized for its reduced functionality and user experience compared to standard laptops.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

How To Play Your Steam Games On Any Chromebook

The gaming landscape on Chromebooks has changed with the introduction of Steam, allowing users to play a variety of games if their device meets the minimum requirements: an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. Users can download Steam by searching for "Steam installer" in the launcher, and once installed, they can use Valve's Proton to play Windows games on their Chromebook. Consulting ProtonDB can help users check game compatibility. Additionally, cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW enable access to Steam libraries, allowing high-resolution game streaming on Chromebooks. GeForce NOW supports up to 4K resolution and offers subscription options starting at .99 per month, with a free tier available.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Quietly Confirms It’s Killing Off A Version Of Windows 11

Microsoft will phase out support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, with no further feature updates following version 24H2. Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function but will not receive software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes after this date. The Surface Laptop SE, priced at 9, will not support the full version of Windows 11.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft is killing off this Windows 11 version: Will your PC stop working? All details here

Microsoft will end support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, ceasing security updates, technical assistance, and feature enhancements. The 24H2 version will be the last major update for Windows 11 SE, with no further feature updates to follow. Users are advised to transition to a different edition of Windows 11 for continued support. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments but struggled to gain traction and faced performance issues on lower-end hardware. Microsoft continues to offer Windows 11 Education as an alternative, though it is more expensive and lacks the app restrictions of SE.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

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

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE by October 2026, ceasing all software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function, but users are advised to transition to another edition of Windows 11 for ongoing support. The upcoming 25H2 update will not be released for Windows 11 SE, leaving devices on the 24H2 version until support ends. Various manufacturers have produced laptops with Windows 11 SE, and Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop SE in 2021. Microsoft's previous attempts to compete with Chrome OS included the introduction of S Mode for Windows 10, which faced challenges due to limited app availability. A Gartner report indicates that Chromebook market share is declining, with a shift in focus towards Windows 11 upgrades rather than migration to Chrome OS.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft is killing its failed ChromeOS competitor, Windows 11 SE

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, ending all software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. Launched in 2021 as a lightweight operating system for educational settings, Windows 11 SE struggled to gain traction against established competitors like ChromeOS. Microsoft recommends users transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 to maintain access to ongoing support and security updates.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft drops education-focused Windows 11 SE variant

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, as indicated by updates to its product overview page and FAQ. The final feature update for Windows 11 SE, version 24H2, has been released, marking the beginning of a phase-out. Windows 11 SE was launched in 2021 as a cloud-based operating system aimed at the education sector, alongside the budget-friendly Surface SE laptop. The Surface SE does not support operating system upgrades, complicating the transition for schools using this hardware. Microsoft is shifting its strategy to promote the full version of Windows 11 for educational environments, moving away from direct competition with Chromebooks.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE: Support Ceases in 2026

Microsoft launched Windows 11 SE in late 2021 to compete with Google’s Chrome OS in the education technology sector, targeting low-cost devices for schools with a starting price around . The operating system was designed for Chromebook-like laptops, featuring restrictions on app installations to focus on educational tools and integration with Microsoft services like Office 365. Initial interest was noted, but adoption faced challenges due to schools' commitments to Chromebooks and limited app compatibility. By 2022, devices with Windows 11 SE appeared in schools, but market penetration remained modest, hindered by hardware requirements and competition from Chromebooks. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE in 2025, with support ending in October 2026, necessitating migration for schools using the OS. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards cloud-based solutions and highlights the challenges of competing against established platforms like Chrome OS.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Chromebook Users Hit by Vanishing Google Play Store and Android Apps

Chromebook users have experienced the disappearance of the Google Play Store and Android applications, attributed to software updates, device compatibility issues, and changes in Google’s policies. Chrome OS selectively supports Android applications, with devices launched in or after 2019 generally able to access the Play Store, while older models may lose access during updates. Troubleshooting often involves checking settings or performing a factory reset, but these do not always resolve the issue. Google is phasing out legacy Chrome Web Store applications in favor of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which disrupts Android app access. Workarounds like sideloading apps from APK files exist but require technical expertise and raise security concerns. Google is integrating new features into Chrome OS, including Play Store filters, but persistent app disappearance issues could undermine user trust. The situation reflects broader tensions in Google’s ecosystem management, impacting the adoption of Chromebooks as professional devices. Users have expressed frustration over unexplained app losses, highlighting the need for clearer communication from Google.