Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE: Chromebook Rival to Be Retired by 2026
'Support for Windows 11 SE — including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes — will end in October 2026,' Microsoft confirmed in an updated support article highlighted by Dr.Windows. 'While your device will continue to work, we recommend transitioning to a device that supports another edition of Windows 11 to ensure continued support and security.'
Unlike the main Windows 11, Windows 11 SE will not receive the upcoming 25H2 update. Devices will remain on the 24H2 version until support officially ends. Over the years, brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, Dynabook, Fujitsu, HP, JK-IP, Lenovo, and Positivo have offered laptops running Windows 11 SE. Microsoft even rolled out its own budget-friendly Surface Laptop SE at just $249 back in 2021.
This is not the first time Microsoft has tried to break Chrome OS's hold in schools. The earlier Windows 10 S Mode also limited installations to Microsoft Store apps — but with few apps available, it only left users frustrated. Windows 11 SE followed a similar restrictive model, pushing schools towards Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and tightly controlling which traditional win32 apps could run.
Microsoft's decision reflects shifting trends in the education market. Just last year, Gartner noted that Chromebooks were 'losing market share due to their limited customer base and inferior build quality.' Chromebook shipments have dropped since 2022, and this year's PC upgrades appear focused on refreshing Windows 11 devices rather than switching to Chrome OS.
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Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tracing the journey of Octal IT solution
Octal IT Solution is a success story of fast technological change, where they have seen steady growth from humble beginnings into a respected technology company with a global presence. The brand's journey of clear vision, determination, creativity, and a strong focus on delivering value to their clients led to the growth which began with just ten committed individuals in 2007. Octal IT Solution – Global Tech Partner for Digital Transformation & Enterprise Solutions Founded in 2007, Arun Goyal started Octal IT Solution with a focused mission: to deliver innovative, client-focused software solutions. With a team of just ten experts, the company operated from its headquarters in India, initially emphasising small-scale projects and local clientele. The team's ambitions, however, extended beyond India. Just a year after its foundation, Octal IT Solution entered the US market in 2008, a decisive move for a young company with global ambition. The rapid growth during this expansion led the firm to end the year with a workforce of over 25 employees. This surge indicated a growing demand to explore new capabilities in mobile and enterprise software development. Building global foundations and recognition Within ten years, in 2009, the company had not only doubled its staff twice but also reinforced its commitment to global quality standards. During the period, the company accomplished two milestones: firstly, earning ISO certification, and secondly, the organisation was designated as a Microsoft Silver Partner and demonstrated an in-depth understanding of Microsoft technologies and enterprise solutions. In 2010, Octal entered the United Kingdom as a strategic move to serve international markets more effectively. Along with 65+ skilled professionals, the company then diversified its services by entering into software product engineering services in the same year. By stepping into iOS development, Octal established itself as an early leader in mobile app innovation, paving the way for a mobile-first digital future. Consolidation and regional expansion In the following years, Octal focused on streamlining development processes and deepening technical expertise. The improvement of the technical knowledge base, and the change to meet the needs of the new global businesses. Between 2011 and 2014, they deepened their expertise in enterprise-level digital transformation by fostering long-term client partnerships across diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, logistics, e-commerce, and beyond. Expanding into Singapore in 2015, was a move that deepened their strategic presence across Asia and the Pacific and brought them closer to their clients in the region. With more than 85 employees, Octal IT evolved from a medium-sized organisation to a serious competitor in the international IT services market. Octal was also ranked among the region's top IT solutions providers, an honour that recognised its growing influence and capabilities. Although the award was symbolic, it reasserted the increasing profile of the company in scalable, secure technology solutions that are aligned to business interests. Earning trust, certification, and scaling for the future During the period 2016-2019, they remained focused on the development of deep tech. It was during these years that the backend areas were heavily invested in, along with enhanced DevOps culture and the adoption of cloud-native practices in conjunction with modern delivery pipelines. The company was also concerned with the reinforcement of its service offering mechanisms and customer achievement programs. This was followed by 2020, a year of unprecedented challenges, yet a time that allowed the company to reaffirm its principles. Amidst the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, as one of the mobile and software development company , Octal, has not only maintained operational stability but it has also scaled up to 100+ experts situated around the globe. In the same year, the company was elevated to Microsoft Gold Partner status, an achievement from its previous Silver level recognition. This prestigious designation reflected the company's uplifted technical proficiency, deep domain expertise, and consistent ability to deliver high-impact solutions to clients across industries. One more remarkable result was the CMMI Level 3 certification; this was another confirmation of its maturity in the area of constituent optimisation, performance management, and continuous improvement. These certifications were more than just accolades, but they served as formal validation of the company's unwavering commitment to quality, organisational excellence, and tangible outcomes. Embracing emerging technologies Knowing the revolutionary potential of next-gen technologies, Octal resourcefully incorporated the tools of Blockchain, Internet of Things, and cloud technology into its range of mobile app development and software services in 2022. These integrations were not placed as some glossy features on products; they would be integrated into the heartlines of services, which would enable the company to provide modular, secure, and future-ready products to its clients. Through such accomplishments, the company transformed the internal systems, deployed smart automation in project control, optimised agile delivery using newer DevOps integrations, and released cloud-native application suites fitting to specific-domain needs. This was also the time that Octal started working on consultative digital innovation, where the consultancy has the role of not only developing solutions but also advising their clients as technology advisors to help them future-proof their business through solid structural and strategic knowledge. A glimpse into 2025: Maturity, recognition, and the road ahead T oday, in 2025, Octal stands tall with a staff of 250+ members operating from its global delivery centres. Participating in high-tech events across the world (globally), such as GITEX, LEAP, and Mobile World Congress, also demonstrates that the company is actively increasing visibility across the industry, in addition to the fact that it is willing to engage in the dialogues that define the future of technology. In addition to this, the firm is also offering Data & AI technologies, such as the development of AI and ML models, integrating Gen AI to enable conversational solutioning into projects, which boosts customer engagement & experience, ultimately enhancing the experiences and progress of its clients in the emerging digital world. AI, such as predictive analytics, intelligent automation, adaptive interfaces, and many more, are fast becoming capabilities within the company, combining technical and business expertise. The year has been a milestone year for Octal, with the most significant milestone being the recognition of the company as one of the Tech Titans of Rajasthan. These prestigious regional awards admire both the legacy of the company and its global aspirations. 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Octal is as innovative as they are controlled: implementing Agile enterprise-wide, engineering enterprise clouds, and deploying design thinking in complex digital products, Octal has found a perfectly balanced creative control formula. This philosophy transcends all of its services, including its mobile solutions as well as the custom software development services which it has earned a reputation for delivering to the precise and intended specification. The mission of Octal to digitalise startups, scale-ups, and mid-sized businesses has never wavered. Creating an e-commerce back end, providing a real-time logistics interface, or simplifying healthcare processes through automation are some of the tasks that the company has an acute understanding of responsibility, originality, and artisanship. Reflecting on the journey, Naveen Khanna, CEO of Octal IT Solution, shares- " We were not successful due to code or infrastructure only, but built it on trust and a shared vision, and the unrelenting effort of our team. To be ranked both globally and regionally is a title, but the real success is in the contribution we make to our clients on a daily basis." The company now plans to take its next step forward with AI development , next-gen cloud-native scenarios, ethical innovation, and sustainable technologies in operational spheres that are still being concentrated on. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays .
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Trump plans 100% tariff on chips made outside U.S.; OpenAI's GPT-5 nears release; Apple to invest $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing
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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
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