Microsoft Stops Windows 11 SE, Tells Schools to Get the Latest Version
Microsoft is stopping its Windows 11 SE plan, a special type of its system made just for schools. This system, built to use web apps and limit other software, won't get big updates now. Microsoft is telling its users to move to the normal Windows 11 versions.
The Idea and Hard Parts of Windows 11 SE
Windows 11 SE was made to give schools a simple, safe space, working with web apps, Microsoft Office, and OneDrive. It had tight rules, like making all apps open full and stopping most old Win32 apps unless the admin said okay. It aimed to make school IT work easier.
But these rules were often too hard for many users. This try by Microsoft was like its earlier try with "S Mode" in Windows 10, which also didn't do well because it only let people get apps from the Microsoft Store. The strict style of Windows 11 SE didn’t work well, just as its main rival, ChromeOS, also had trouble with people liking it because of device quality and limits.
What Apps Could Run in Windows 11 SE
Windows 11 SE really held tight to its rules on what apps could run. Here is a list of those rules:
| App Type | Description | Let In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Web Apps (PWA) | Web apps that act like their own apps. | ✅ | PWAs work from the start. |
| Web Apps | Apps that run in a web browser. | ✅ | Web apps work from the start. |
| Win32 | Old Windows apps that need setting up. | ⛔ | Trying these without permission fails. |
| Universal Windows Platform (UWP) / Store Apps | Apps from the Microsoft Store. | ⛔ | Trying these without permission fails. |
End of Support and How to Switch
Support for devices with Windows 11 SE stops in October 2026. The feature update in 24H2 will be the last version they can get; they can't get the 25H2 update. Schools and other users should move their devices to a normal Windows 11 to keep getting support and security updates.
Also, Google has said it plans to mix its Android and ChromeOS systems, showing more changes in the market for simple, cloud-focused devices.
