Windows 11 SE Archives

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11, Office 2021 in 2026: Upgrade Now

Microsoft will conclude support for several key products on October 14, 2026, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021. This end-of-support wave also affects various Azure services, Exchange Server versions, and certain .NET frameworks. Organizations must evaluate migration costs and risks associated with operating unsupported products, as the lack of updates could lead to security vulnerabilities. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for select products but at a premium cost. Migration challenges include potential hardware incompatibilities and the need for custom solutions for legacy applications. Proactive planning, inventory assessments, and prioritizing critical systems for migration are recommended strategies. The transition aligns with Microsoft's vision of promoting cloud-based and AI-enhanced technologies. Economic implications include increased IT spending, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools

Microsoft's latest Windows 25H2 builds have introduced AI features, but users cannot easily disable them through the interface, leading many to use third-party tools like the RemoveWindowsAI PowerShell script to eliminate components such as Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights. Windows Recall captures screenshots for AI-driven searches, raising privacy concerns due to the creation of a local database of full screenshots. Microsoft has also disabled phone activation for Windows 11, requiring internet connectivity for activation. The RemoveWindowsAI tool removes appx packages associated with AI, ensuring they cannot be reinstalled. Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE by October 13, 2026, impacting schools that rely on this version. Virtualization, such as using Proxmox, is recommended for users wary of telemetry practices. The RemoveWindowsAI project is evolving to enhance its capabilities in response to Microsoft's AI feature additions. Enterprise deployments are advised to test removal strategies in controlled environments, though some antivirus programs may flag the tool as malicious. Privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of Microsoft's changes on user control and data collection.

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 4, 2026

Microsoft to end support for Windows 11 SE in 2026

Microsoft will conclude support for its Windows 11 SE operating system, designed for K–8 classrooms, by the end of 2026. The final version will be 24H2, and full support, including security patches, will end on October 13, 2026. Schools using these devices will face challenges as they will no longer receive security updates, raising concerns about student data privacy. Microsoft is advising educational institutions to consider hardware that supports standard versions of Windows 11. This shift creates budgetary concerns for schools that invested in the SE ecosystem, as they will need to secure funds for 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.