Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, just five years after its launch aimed at competing with Google Chromebooks in the education sector. The operating system, designed for low-cost laptops, was intended to persuade schools to avoid switching to Chrome OS. Historically, Microsoft has struggled to gain traction against Chrome OS, previously attempting to lock down Windows 10 with S Mode, which limited users to apps from the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 SE followed a similar strategy, promoting Progressive Web Apps over traditional applications, but faced challenges as IT administrators had to create exceptions for running standard applications. According to Gartner, Chromebook shipments have been declining since 2022, raising questions about their market viability.
Microsoft has unveiled a significant update to its Edge web browser, introducing a feature called “Copilot Mode,” designed to enhance the browsing experience through artificial intelligence. This new mode allows users to interact with the AI assistant, which manages tasks such as analyzing websites and documents, offering contextual suggestions across multiple tabs, and even booking reservations through natural language commands. According to Microsoft’s Sean Lundersay, the Copilot Mode aims to streamline the browsing process by acting as a collaborator, cutting through clutter, and maintaining user flow. The feature is currently available for free during its experimental phase but may require a subscription in the future.
SentinelOne has announced its acquisition of Prompt Security, a startup dedicated to safeguarding generative artificial intelligence tools in real-time. This strategic move is set to enhance SentinelOne’s Singularity Platform, enabling organizations to gain deeper control over AI access, data sharing, and safety without hindering adoption. Prompt Security, which is just two years old, has already secured a solid customer base, including several Fortune 500 companies, and processes millions of AI interactions each month. The acquisition, a combination of cash and stock, is anticipated to close in SentinelOne’s third fiscal quarter. Prompt Security’s technology aims to address significant security gaps related to the rise of generative AI tools.
Why do we care?
So, Microsoft’s pulling the plug on Windows 11 SE in 2026—no shocker there. Turns out locking down a cheap laptop OS for schools didn’t beat Chromebooks. If you’re servicing K–12, there won’t be a “Microsoft saves the day” moment. Te real focus in K–12 remains on device management, identity, and Microsoft 365 services, not custom OS variants.
Edge is getting “Copilot Mode”—AI that lives in your browser, doing tab wrangling, analysis, and maybe booking dinner reservations. Free now, subscription later? Yeah, probably. Only matters if your customers are already on Edge—don’t expect it to win Chrome converts overnight. That said, every small percentage point matters. See the information on Bing from yesterday.
And SentinelOne’s buying Prompt Security. They want to own AI governance—blocking risky prompts, controlling what data hits ChatGPT, all that. Even if SMB clients aren’t asking today, start building AI access control and prompt security checks into your proposals—compliance-driven buyers will see it as forward-thinking.