Here are the key points from the article "Windows 11 SE: Bye bye in October 2026" from Born's Tech and Windows World:
Summary:
- Windows 11 SE was launched as a "budget" version of Windows 11, aimed at educational institutions. It was positioned as a "Chromebook killer," intended mainly for students, with affordable hardware such as the Surface Laptop SE.
- Launch Context: The project was started in 2021, as COVID-19 was winding down and demand for affordable educational devices was high. Its internal codename was "Tenjin."
- Product Details: The target was affordable devices: 11.6" 1366x768 screens, Intel Celeron N4120 CPU, up to 8 GB RAM, basic I/O (USB-A, USB-C, headphone jack, external power).
- Market Position: Microsoft wanted to compete with the popularity of Google Chromebooks in education, especially in the US, but admitted it couldn't match Chromebook's price and speed.
- Critical View: The article’s author was skeptical from the start, calling it an "oxymoron" for Microsoft to make a cheap-yet-useful Surface with a stripped-down Windows 11, particularly on weak hardware.
- Discontinuation: Microsoft is discontinuing Windows 11 SE. No new features will come after Windows 11 SE version 24H2.
- End of Life: Security updates and support for Windows 11 SE will end in October 2026. Devices will still function, but Microsoft recommends switching to a different Windows 11 edition for continued support and security.
- Recommendation: The article ends by questioning why users shouldn’t just switch to a Chromebook instead, as originally intended.
Details and opinion can be found at Born's Tech and Windows World: Windows 11 SE: Bye bye in October 2026
If you need a more concise bullet list or details from any specific section (like features, criticisms, or hardware specs), let me know!
Source: BornCity Windows 11 SE: Bye bye in October 2026 | Born's Tech and Windows World
