Microsoft officially kills Windows 11 SE - a stripped-down version for low-cost computers

Few people know that Microsoft once developed Windows 11 SE - a special version for low-end computers and the education market. Not really as lightweight as third-party optimizations, but this operating system still provides a simple experience by only allowing applications approved by IT admins to run. Launched with Surface Laptop SE in November 2021, until now - after 4 years of quiet existence, Windows 11 SE has officially been "killed".

 

"Silent death" amid the wave of Windows 10 death

While the community is buzzing about the end of support for Windows 10 (October 2025), Microsoft quietly updated its official documentation confirming that Windows 11 SE will not be upgraded to the upcoming 25H2 release. The company even stopped providing all feature updates, security updates, and technical support from October 2026 .

Ironically, the Surface Laptop SE — Microsoft's Windows 11 SE exclusive — is still supported until January 2028 (a six-year cycle). In a policy update, Microsoft advises:

"The device will continue to function normally, but we recommend migrating to another version of Windows 11 to ensure continued support."

 

Windows 11 SE: Ambition Fails Before ChromeOS

Designed as a competitor to ChromeOS in the education segment, Windows 11 SE has several differences:

1. Feature limitations : No Widgets, Microsoft Store, only opens 2 parallel apps (no support for Snap Layouts multitasking).

2. Minimalist interface : The application always opens in full screen, files are automatically saved to OneDrive.

3. Hardware exclusivity : Almost only appears on Surface Laptop SE.

This is Microsoft's second failed attempt after Windows 10 S - also aimed at the education market but soon killed. Windows 11 SE is even less impressive, despite being equipped with unique wallpapers and funny desktop stickers.

The end of Windows 11 SE shows that Microsoft continues to struggle to compete with ChromeOS in the low-cost device segment. While Google has succeeded with its cloud-first model, Microsoft has been unable to find a common voice between the traditional Windows ecosystem and the need for minimalism.