educational environments Archives

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Gains And Limits Revealed

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro does not significantly change the day-to-day experience, as both editions share a similar interface, performance, and core features like Copilot, File Explorer tabs, and enhanced Game Mode. Security features, including Secure Boot and Windows Defender, are consistent across both editions. The Pro edition offers additional administrative tools for enhanced security, remote access, and device management, making it suitable for users managing multiple PCs or needing corporate resource access. Key features of Pro include the ability to join Active Directory domains, centralized control over settings, full BitLocker capabilities, Remote Desktop hosting, and virtualization tools like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. Pro also supports higher hardware limits, accommodating up to 2TB of RAM and multiple CPU sockets. The pricing for Windows 11 Home is typically 9.99, while Pro is 9.99, with an upgrade fee of .99 from Home to Pro. Upgrading from eligible Windows 10 devices does not incur additional costs. Users who should consider upgrading to Pro include those managing multiple PCs, requiring Remote Desktop, or needing to comply with encryption policies. In contrast, gamers or casual users may find Home sufficient, as both editions provide the same gaming capabilities and interface without performance differences.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

End of Windows 11 SE likely in 2026: See what it means for schools

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 11 SE will end in 2026. Windows 11 SE was launched in 2021 to cater to younger students and aimed to compete with Chromebooks by providing a secure and cost-effective solution for schools. It featured restrictions to minimize distractions, allowing only IT administrators to install applications. The last release of Windows 11 SE was version 24H2, and complete support, including security patches, will conclude on October 13, 2026. Microsoft has advised schools to transition to standard versions of Windows 11, which may require additional funding for device upgrades or replacements.

Winsage

January 2, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 SE, once supposed to be a ChromeOS-killer, bites dust in next ten months

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 SE will reach its end of life in 2026. Initially launched in 2021 for K-8 educational environments, Windows 11 SE was designed as a streamlined, web-first operating system to compete with ChromeOS. It allowed only approved applications for educational purposes and required administrator approval for traditional Windows applications. The last supported version for Windows 11 SE is version 24H2, with no new feature updates planned. Schools using Windows 11 SE devices will need to transition to a supported edition of Windows for ongoing updates and support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to maintain security and support, as it will also phase out support for other products, including Office 2021 and Windows 11 24H2 (Pro and Home), by the same deadline.

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.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft yanks the plug on Windows 11 SE, giving school and college IT techs a little over a year to find a suitable replacement

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE four years ago as a specialized operating system for web-first devices in education, but it has not gained popularity among students and IT professionals. The end-of-life date for Windows 11 SE is set for October 2026, after which all updates, security patches, and technical support will cease. Microsoft has not announced plans for a successor and advises users to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11. Windows 11 SE faced challenges with application accessibility due to strict limitations on non-educational software, which complicated its use in educational environments. In contrast, Google’s ChromeOS is preferred in the education sector for being more user-friendly and adaptable. The removal of support for Windows 11 SE raises security concerns, as devices will become vulnerable without updates. Microsoft’s quick phase-out of Windows 11 SE indicates a retreat from the lightweight OS market, where Google has a strong presence, and past attempts by Microsoft, such as Windows 10 S and Windows RT, have failed to gain traction.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

The end of Windows 11 SE: Microsoft pulls its attempt to compete with Chrome OS from the market

Microsoft has discontinued Windows 11 SE, creating a gap in its educational technology offerings. Windows 11 Education, while robust, poses challenges for budget-conscious institutions due to its higher costs, lack of artificial restrictions, and lack of optimization for lower-spec devices. Consequently, Microsoft lacks a dedicated operating system for low-cost educational devices, allowing alternatives like Chrome OS and iPadOS to thrive in this market niche.

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 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.