Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

A beloved Windows app is being axed after 28 years

By
A screenshot of Microsoft WordPad running on Windows 11.
Digital Trends

Microsoft is finally retiring WordPad, the venerable text editor that has been a staple in Windows operating systems since Windows 95. This decision comes as part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine its software lineup and focus on more advanced applications. It marks the end of a 28-year journey for WordPad.

As spotted by Tom’s Hardware, the recent Canary build of Windows 11 does not include WordPad as part of the default software package. Microsoft seems to be encouraging users to explore its more comprehensive Office suite, which includes applications like Microsoft Word for a more sophisticated word-processing experience. In Septemeber 2023, the company added the rich text application to its list of deprecated Windows features.

Recommended Videos

In a way, the removal of WordPad emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its offerings in response to changing user needs. WordPad has long been recognized for its simplicity and ease of use. It has provided basic text-editing capabilities for users who require a lightweight alternative to more robust word processors. However, with the evolution of Microsoft’s Office suite and the availability of feature-rich alternatives, WordPad’s role has diminished over time.

This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of delivering a streamlined and modern software lineup. It also signals a shift in focus toward providing users with advanced tools that cater to contemporary productivity demands. The retirement of WordPad has received mixed reactions from the user community. While some applaud the move as a necessary step toward a more cohesive and advanced software ecosystem, others express nostalgia for the familiar text editor that has been part of the Windows experience for nearly three decades.

The forthcoming Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020 is also said to eliminate Cortana to pave the way for Microsoft’s strategy of transforming Copilot AI into more than just an assistant.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Kunal Khullar
Kunal Khullar
Computing Writer
Kunal is a Computing writer contributing content around PC hardware, laptops, monitors, and more for Digital Trends. Having…
Microsoft teases design overhaul of major Windows 11 app
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

Microsoft teased a design overhaul that is coming to the Windows 11 File Explorer app in a future update at its Build developer conference this week.

The new File Explorer design is based on WinUI 3 and will modernize the app's folders, sidebar, address bar, and search bar to be more in tune with the overall Windows 11 style. This will bring to File Explorer a look and feel with more rounded and blurred designs, as well as mouse and touch optimizations, Windows Central noted.

Read more
Windows 11 is ditching this almost 20-year-old classic feature
The new snipping tool in Windows 11.

People don't like change, especially when it comes to Windows. As if centering the taskbar in Windows 11 wasn't enough, Microsoft is now going to alter a Windows keyboard shortcut that's been around forever. We're talking about Print Screen, commonly written as PrtSc on keycaps, which currently takes a full-screen screenshot of the screen and saves it to your clipboard. Of course, it can also be used in combination with various keys for other screenshotting shortcuts.

But in recent years, Microsoft has been pushing its separate app, Snipping Tool, which was a modern replacement for Snip & Sketch. Compared to using Print Screen, though, Snipping Tool is a more effective and full-featured way of capturing, saving, and editing screenshots. There's no need to paste your screenshot into Paint just to save it. It can also record video of your screen.

Read more
Windows 11 may soon replace all your annoying RGB apps
a PC case with RGB lighting inside.

Microsoft may be adding a new feature to Windows 11, and if you're a fan of making your PC all shiny and fancy with RGB accessories, you're going to like this one.

A leaked screenshot shows that Windows 11 might soon allow you to control all of your RGB lighting in one place instead of having to rely on using different apps for various components.

Read more