Microsoft has developed only for educational institutions Windows 11 SE He announced that his version will end the support in 2026. With this decision, laptops working in the system will be deprived of security updates and technical support.
The first time introduced in 2021 Windows 11 SElow -cost laptops were presented as pre -installed. The target audience was especially primary and secondary school students. Microsoft, with this version Chrome OS based on Chromebook It aimed to reduce the impact of devices in the educational market. However, this purpose did not find a response to the expected extent. According to the new statement, software support will end completely in October 2026.
According to the information contained on Microsoft’s updated support page, the system is no safety patch, technical support or operating system update will not take it. Existing devices will continue to work, but that risky deficits will not be closedIn terms of the use of these devices, it creates question marks. The company advises schools to switch to other versions of Windows 11.
Although Windows 11 SEAlthough it has been presented with affordable models of manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft. With Current Windows versions It will not be compatible. Microsoft’s own product Surface Laptop SEWas released in 2021 with a price tag of $ 249.
Microsoft will not include Windows 11 SE in the 25H2 update
The new 25H2 version of Windows 11 is planned to be available in the autumn of 2025. But this version Windows 11 SE will not be given to their devices. The devices will only be available in the available version 24h2 and will have to be used with this version until the end of 2026. This will directly affect the updating process of the software infrastructure of educational institutions.
This limitation is also directly linked to the structure of the system since the first day. Windows 11 SERestricting the operation of applications other than Microsoft Store. Only the software in the application list determined by Microsoft could be installed. For Win32 -based applications, system managers had to allow manual permission.
Microsoft had previously tried a similar approach to Windows 10 with the “S Mode ği. This mode led users to use applications only in Microsoft Store. However, the lack of sufficient number of applications prevented the spread of this system. Same restriction Windows 11 SE It was also valid for.
In an analysis published by Gartner in 2024, Chromebook It was stated that the devices started to lose market share due to “narrow user mass and low structure quality”. This decline became apparent, especially after 2022. As of 2025, corporate users and schools have generally directed new generation PC investments to Windows 11 -based systems.
In the light of these developments, Microsoft Windows 11 SE It is estimated that the decision will lead to completely disabled of this product group, which is currently in a decline. Educational institutions may have to make additional preparations to manage this transition process. This will include hardware renovations, software licenses and data transit operations.
According to the calendar released by Microsoft, 24H2 support for home and pro versions will last until October 13, 2026. For education and enterprise versions, this time will be about one year longer. However Windows 11 SESince the Enterprise or Education version is defined as a separate structure, its support will be cut earlier.
At this point, it is important for educational institutions to act planned. The necessary steps to examine the existing device trail, the compatibility of the hardware and the transition to new systems need to be determined. Because after October 2026, these devices are expected to remain vulnerable to security deficits.
It is predicted that the transition will be not only software but also hardware. Most of these devices with low properties may be insufficient to run full versions of Windows 11. This means that new purchases come to the agenda.