Microsoft set to retire 30-year-old legend WordPad in upcoming Windows 11 update
WordPad, the long-standing text editor on Windows PCs, is set to depart after being a staple for nearly 30 years. The latest Windows 11 Build 26020 in the Insider Preview’s Canary Channel suggests that WordPad will no longer come pre-installed with the new OS build. Furthermore, it is expected to be officially removed in a future update, without any possibility of reinstalling it. This signifies the end of an era for WordPad, which has served as a reliable alternative to Word and a step up from the basic Notepad.
WordPad’s journey from Windows 95 to Windows 11
WordPad has been Microsoft’s default application since its debut in Windows 95, serving as the successor to the original Microsoft Write program. Its dual role as a text editor with some MS Word functions and an advanced version of the classic Notepad made it a versatile tool for users. However, Microsoft’s recent decision to phase out WordPad hints at the realization that it occupies an awkward middle ground between MS Word and Notepad, rendering it redundant, Gizmodo reports. In fact, Notepad is regularly updated and has acquired some cool features that have probably made WordPad redundant.
According to a Microsoft Learn post detailing deprecated features in Windows clients, the company recommends using Microsoft Word for rich text documents such as .doc and .rtf, while Windows Notepad is recommended for text-only documents such as .txt. These instructions reinforce the idea that WordPad’s functionality can be adequately covered by other Microsoft applications.
GeekWire’s discovery that WordPad did not receive a dark mode update adds another layer to the story. This omission, combined with the lack of features like auto-save, as seen in Notepad’s recent updates, raises questions about WordPad’s relevance in Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem.
WordPad is not the only victim in this wave of change. Another long-standing Windows application, People, will also be retired. The decision is based on the fact that the majority of people’s functions, especially the management of contact information, will be transferred to Outlook for Windows.
When we say goodbye to WordPad, it not only marks the end of a familiar tool, but also a sign of Microsoft’s commitment to refining its application portfolio to meet the changing needs of Windows users. Abandoning WordPad can be seen as a necessary step towards streamlining Microsoft’s word processing offering, paving the way for a more focused and powerful software environment.
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