Microsoft has announced it will end support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, five years after the operating system was launched. Windows 11 SE was designed as a low-cost OS aimed primarily at educational institutions, intended to compete with Google's Chromebooks. Despite Microsoft's efforts, Windows 11 SE has been characterized as a failed competitor to ChromeOS, leading the company to discontinue updates and encourage users to switch to other Windows editions. The decision gives IT administrators in schools and colleges just over a year to transition to alternative solutions. This move adds Windows 11 SE to the list of discontinued Windows versions by Microsoft.