By Moinak Pal
Publication Date: 2026-01-03 23:55:00
Microsoft has essentially confirmed it is pulling the plug on Windows 11 SE, the specialized version of its operating system designed for K–8 classrooms. By the end of 2026, support for the education-focused platform will officially wrap up. This decision marks a pretty sharp pivot from just a few years ago, when Microsoft was pitching SE as its big “Chromebook killer” and a central part of its strategy to win over schools.
When Windows 11 SE first hit the scene in 2021, Microsoft marketed it as the perfect, “purpose-built” tool for younger students. By 2022, they were calling it the start of a new “era of the PC,” promising a setup that was simple, secure, and affordable for budget-strapped districts. It was meant to fix the shortcomings of the old Windows 10 “S Mode” by offering a streamlined, “web-first” experience.
To make it work, Windows 11 SE was much more locked down than the standard version
It was built specifically to block…
