Back in 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11 SE as a lightweight platform to rival Google’s ChromeOS, but now, the company is pulling the plug on the offshoot.
Windows 11 SE was designed for low-cost laptops that could help Microsoft cement its position in schools, as ChromeOS was gaining ground. As a lighter version of a full Windows 11, these machines were set to focus on web apps as well as Microsoft’s own Office suite. All apps opened solely in fullscreen (despite the platform still being called “Windows,” hilariously), and all files were required to sync with OneDrive. Traditional Windows apps were unsupported as pictured below, unless they were manually approved by Microsoft.
The limited experience wasn’t too far off from ChromeOS in many ways, but was far from the expectations that Windows brings.
Now, Microsoft is pulling the plug.
As spotted by Neowin, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 SE will no longer get any software updates. Support ends in October 2026, with Windows 11 SE version 24H2 being the final update released.
Microsoft explains:
Microsoft will not release a feature update after Windows 11 SE, version 24H2. Support for Windows 11 SE—including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes—will end in October 2026. While your device will continue to work, we recommend transitioning to a device that supports another edition of Windows 11 to ensure continued support and security.
The removal comes as Google is also transitioning ChromeOS to an extent, with the platform soon to be based further on Android than it already is today.
More on ChromeOS:
- Google specifies how it will be the ‘ChromeOS experience on top of Android’
- Chromebooks are better than ever, but is that enough for Google?
- Gemini replacing Google Assistant on Chromebooks
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