lightweight operating systems Archives

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

April 22, 2025

An iPad can’t run macOS, but it can run… Windows 11?

A developer has successfully run an unofficial version of Windows 11, called Tiny11, on an iPad Air with an M2 processor. Tiny11 is a lightweight variant of Windows 11 that requires only 8GB of storage and can operate on systems that do not meet the official minimum requirements. It was demonstrated to work on the iPad Air, although it faces challenges such as delays in booting and program launches. Tiny11 is designed to be a stripped-down version of Windows 11, omitting many applications and services, and it does not require a Microsoft account. However, it remains an unofficial software, and users are advised to be cautious due to potential security vulnerabilities and usability issues.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

Dev boasts “tiny” Windows 11 24H2 that you can run off a DVD

Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, generating interest in the tech community. NTDEV released an update to tiny11, based on Windows 11 LTSC 2024, with a size of 3.54 GB that fits on a standard DVD. This compression is achieved using LZX delta compression. Tiny11 can operate on as little as 176 MB of RAM, and a "text-only" version has been created that requires only 100 MB of RAM.