Microsoft succumbs to the pressure from Chromebook dominance and discontinues Windows 11 SE
Microsoft Discontinues Support for Windows 11 SE, Shifts Focus Away from Education Market Rival
Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing support for its education-focused operating system, Windows 11 SE, in October 2026 [1][2][3]. The decision comes after the product, designed to compete with Chromebooks, failed to gain significant traction in the market.
Windows 11 SE, which was released in 2021, was designed to offer a lightweight, user-friendly experience similar to ChromeOS. However, it appears that the product was not sustainable or successful enough to warrant continued support [4].
With the end of Windows 11 SE, schools will need to consider alternative options for their computing needs. One possibility is to transition to standard versions of Windows 11, which continue to receive full support and updates. While these versions require higher hardware specifications than Windows 11 SE, they offer a more comprehensive and optimized experience [5].
Another option to consider is education-focused platforms such as Chromebooks running Chrome OS, which remain popular in schools due to their low cost, cloud integration, and simplified management. However, it's worth noting that there have been issues with the durability of cheap Chromebooks, leading to frequent replacement spending [9].
Microsoft is also promoting the full version of Windows 11 as a viable option for educational uses, as well as its broader education offerings, including Windows 11 Education edition and cloud-based Microsoft 365 Education services. These offerings provide comprehensive tools without the limitations of Windows 11 SE [6].
In addition to the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE, Microsoft has not provided any information regarding the future of the Surface SE laptop, which was intended to be sold to schools in large quantities [7]. The company premiered a budget-priced $250 Surface SE laptop to go along with the SE OS, but it remains unclear whether this product will continue to be available [8].
The rise in demand for Chromebooks has been significant, with 4 out of 5 Chromebooks sold to US students in Q2 [10]. However, Microsoft seems to be moving away from competing directly with Chromebooks in the education market, potentially opening up opportunities for Microsoft to make inroads in this sector [6].
References:
[1] Microsoft Discontinues Support for Windows 11 SE: What Schools Need to Know. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/02/microsoft-discontinues-support-windows-11-se-what-schools-need-know
[2] Microsoft to End Support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-end-support-for-windows-11-se-in-october-2026/
[3] Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in October 2026. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/1/23599267/microsoft-windows-11-se-end-of-support-october-2026
[4] Microsoft's Shift Away from Chrome OS Rival in Education Market. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.pcworld.com/article/3689891/microsofts-shift-away-from-chrome-os-rival-in-education-market.html
[5] Windows 11 SE End of Support: What Schools Need to Know. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-se-end-of-support-what-schools-need-to-know
[6] Microsoft's Strategy Shift in the Education Market. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.techrepublic.com/article/microsofts-strategy-shift-in-the-education-market/
[7] Microsoft's Surface SE Laptop: A Budget-Friendly Option for Schools. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/microsoft-surface-se-laptop
[8] Microsoft's Surface SE Laptop: A Fading Hope for Schools? (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsofts-surface-se-laptop-a-fading-hope-for-schools
[9] The Durability Issues with Cheap Chromebooks. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/news/the-durability-issues-with-cheap-chromebooks/
[10] Chromebooks Dominate the Education Market. (2023, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.pcmag.com/news/chromebooks-dominate-the-education-market
- Schools might need to assess the possibility of transitioning to standard versions of Windows 11 for their computing needs, given the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE.
- Microsoft is also promoting the fully integrated Windows 11 Education edition and Microsoft 365 Education services as tool-rich alternatives to Windows 11 SE, suitable for educational purposes.
- As an alternative option, schools may consider popular education-focused platforms like Chromebooks, but durability issues with cheaper models should be taken into account.
- Artificial Intelligence, security, and technology are crucial components in education-and-self-development, making it essential for students and educators to continually learn about software advancements and their implications in the classroom.
