February, 2021Windows 11 SE was launched alongside the Surface Laptop SE, a laptop for learning.Originally, Microsoft planned to expand its presence in the education market and compete with Google Chrome OS.Earlier updated technical support documentsIt shows that this operating system will completely terminate technical support and security updates in October 2026, which means that this streamlined version of the Windows operating system will soon become history.
從2021年11月推出，預計在2026年10月結束技術支援，Windows 11 SE前後僅有5年發展時間，顯示此款作業系統的推廣效益與市場整體接受度並未達到微軟預期。
After October 2026, although no software updates, technical assistance, or security patches will be provided, Windows 10 SE and devices running this operating system can still be used. However, Microsoft recommends that, considering potential security risks, you should replace your device with one that supports the full Windows 11 operating system as soon as possible to receive subsequent technical support and security updates.
In addition to Windows 11 SE, Microsoft has also launched a streamlined version of Windows 10 S, which allows some devices to run with restricted application sources and reduced system burden, as well as Windows 10X, which was originally planned for dual-screen and portable devices but ultimately not put into commercial use. Its goal is to create an operating system that is lighter, quicker to start, and retains a high-efficiency user experience.
However, Windows 10 S, which was originally planned to be launched as an independent operating system, eventually became the "S Mode" in Windows 10, and Windows 10X was not finally put on the market for use because Microsoft's own originally planned dual-screen device was canceled.
As for Windows 11 SE, although it is designed for the education market and uses a different application window arrangement than mainstream Windows, restricts application installation sources, and does not have the Microsoft Store service, it is designed with cloud service integration similar to Chrome OS. However, it still cannot compare to Google's long-term investment in Chrome OS applications and the market ecosystem established by Chromebook devices in cooperation with many industries.
Even though Microsoft has authorized several companies to create related products based on Windows 11 SE, the overall price is still "too high," causing many educational institutions to prefer purchasing standard Windows 11 laptops that can be priced in bulk, which has reduced the significance of the Windows 11 SE operating system.
Therefore, even though Windows 11 SE is about to become history, Microsoft continues to add more features to the Windows 11 operating system that target the needs of students and educational institutions, while further expanding the application scenarios of Windows by integrating Copilot AI and cloud services.
