WordPad has officially been removed from Windows 11

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Key insights

  • WordPad, introduced in 1995 with Windows 95, is officially deprecated and will be removed in Windows 11 Update 24H2.
  • Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text files in the future.
  • Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft's VR platform, will also be phased out in the same update, reflecting Microsoft's focus on modernizing and removing outdated tools.



Microsoft continues its slow retirement of older features, and WordPad is the latest company to reach its end. As of the update to Windows 11 version 24H2, the free text editor will be completely removed, putting the final stamp on its abolition, which was confirmed in March. For long-time Windows users, the removal of WordPad may feel like the end of an era, but this change has been on the horizon for some time.

WordPad's legacy is coming to an end

Screenshot of WordPad on Windows 11 with RIP WordPad reading text


WordPad was introduced in 1995 with Windows 95 and served as a lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word. It offered users an easy way to edit rich text files (.rtf) and even simple Word documents (.doc). Although it never had the power or functionality of Word, it was perfect for users who needed a quick way to take notes, create simple documents, or edit text without having to install additional software.

However, WordPad's relevance has waned in recent years. More feature-rich word processors, cloud-based alternatives like Google Docs, and the continued evolution of Microsoft Word have left the utility feeling more like a relic. In 2022, Microsoft officially discontinued WordPad, signaling that it will no longer be actively developed or maintained. Now, with Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft is completely removing the app from the operating system, meaning users will no longer find it available on their systems.


What you should use now

Microsoft Word runs on a Chromebook.

In the WordPad removal announcement, Microsoft said it recommends using “Microsoft Word for rich text documents such as .doc and .rtf and Windows Notepad for plain text documents such as .txt.”

Microsoft also emphasized that with each new version of Windows, features are sometimes removed to optimize the operating system or make room for more modern replacement versions. In this case, Microsoft Word is the preferred alternative for rich text editing, while Notepad remains the first choice for simple text files.


For many, this may not seem like a big deal. After all, WordPad wasn't a cornerstone of productivity for most users. But the removal is another step in Microsoft's broader initiative to optimize Windows by phasing out older, less-used tools in favor of more modern and integrated solutions.

For those who still rely on WordPad, the transition to other tools like Microsoft Word or even basic Notepad should be relatively seamless. Microsoft Word is of course a paid solution, but users can also use free alternatives such as Google Docs or LibreOffice for word processing.

And if you just tilt Let it go, someone has already found a workaround to get it back to your computer.


Windows Mixed Reality has also been discontinued

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WordPad isn't the only feature to meet its demise. Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft's platform for VR and AR experiences on Windows, is also being quietly retired in the same update. While it was once seen as a promising entry into the world of mixed reality, the platform never really gained the traction that Microsoft had hoped for.


Since its launch in 2017, Windows Mixed Reality has struggled to gain a foothold in the competitive VR landscape, with stronger offerings from Meta's Oculus and Valve's SteamVR dominating the market. Microsoft's focus has shifted to enterprise-class mixed reality solutions like HoloLens, which likely contributed to the decision to phase out the consumer-focused platform.

While the removal of Windows Mixed Reality may not affect a large number of users, it represents another step in Microsoft's realignment of product priorities.

What's next?

This isn't the first time Microsoft has removed or deprecated older features in Windows, and it certainly won't be the last. In recent years we have seen the removal of legacy services such as legacy DRM (Digital Rights Management) in Windows Media Player and the phasing out of Silverlight. Now that Microsoft continues to modernize its operating system, more features are at stake.


Image of the Windows Control Panel

The next potential candidate for abolition? The Windows Control Panel. Although Microsoft has not officially announced the removal of Control Panel, there are signs that its days are numbered. As more settings and configurations move to the newer Settings app, it's likely that the popular but outdated Control Panel will be removed or severely restricted in a future update.


The future of Windows

The removal of WordPad from Windows 11 version 24H2 is another example of Microsoft's focus on optimizing its operating system and moving away from outdated tools that no longer serve the majority of users. While it's always a little sad when a feature that's been around for decades disappears, the reality is that there are better alternatives today.

Windows users can expect more changes like this in the future as Microsoft continues to evolve the platform, focusing on modern user interfaces and leaving legacy features behind. Whether WordPad or Windows Mixed Reality, the message is clear: the future of Windows lies in simplicity and integration with more powerful, modern tools.

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