Windows 11 SE end of life

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 SE will reach end of life in October 2026, pushing schools to plan a hardware refresh.

Microsoft ends Windows 11 SE life cycle ahead of October 2026

Microsoft has set October 2026 as the end of life for Windows 11 SE. After that date, there will be no new security patches, bug fixes, or features for SE, though existing devices will continue to operate. The move mirrors the earlier end of life for Windows 10 and means districts face a gap in ongoing support for devices still running SE.

Windows 11 SE was designed as a cloud-first, classroom-focused edition with strict administrative controls. Microsoft notes that schools should prepare to migrate to other Windows 11 editions or different devices rather than attempting to convert SE laptops. The company also indicated that Windows 11 SE will not receive the Version 25H2 feature update, and devices will need new hardware or a different Windows edition to stay secure and supported.

This decision marks a notable shift in Microsoft’s education strategy, moving away from a dedicated SE line toward standard Windows experiences in schools. It highlights the fragility of a cloud-first approach when hardware lifecycles collide with tight school budgets. As districts map migrations, IT teams will weigh the total cost of ownership for new devices against ongoing software updates and compatibility.

Industry observers expect the move to accelerate interest in alternative devices, from traditional Windows machines to Chromebooks, and to intensify planning around data migration and device procurement. In practice, the change could reshape classroom technology choices for years, forcing districts to balance security, usability, and cost while managing a transition that disrupts teaching and learning in real time.

Highlights

The coming months will test how quickly schools can align budgets with new tech strategies.