Microsoft to remove WordPad from Windows after almost three decades

Microsoft introduced WordPad, a basic rich text editor, with Windows 95 in 1995. Since then, it has been available in every version of Windows, including Windows 11. Microsoft stopped updating WordPad in 2023, and now, the company is removing the feature from Windows 11.

The latest Canary build of Windows 11 no longer comes with WordPad, and users will not be able to reinstall it as an optional feature. Microsoft also said in future builds, WordPad will be removed on upgrade.

“Starting with this build, the WordPad and People apps will no longer be installed after doing a clean install of the OS. In a future flight, WordPad will be removed on upgrade. WordPad will not be reinstallable. WordPad is a deprecated Windows feature,” the company said.

WordPad was designed as a simple and free alternative to Microsoft Word, offering basic text editing, formatting, and printing features. However, over the years, WordPad has become obsolete, as users have access to more advanced and free word processors, such as Microsoft Word Online, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.

The removal of WordPad marks the end of an era for the long-standing app, which has been a part of Windows for almost three decades. There will be no official way to reinstall WordPad, and users who want to access it will have to stick with an older version of Windows.

In addition, Microsoft has also depreciated the Steps Recorder (PSR.exe) feature and will be removing it in a future Windows release. Currently, Steps Recorder will display a new banner notification to guide users towards alternative options. Further, the company encourages users to explore other options, such as the Snipping tool, Xbox Game Bar, or Microsoft Clipchamp.