In a significant shift, Microsoft has recently announced that WordPad, a longstanding Windows application for over three decades, will no longer be a default part of future Windows 11 builds.
The announcement came with the unveiling of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020 for the Canary Channel, revealing that WordPad will neither be automatically installed nor available for reinstallation after its removal.
Debuting in Windows 95, WordPad has played a crucial role as a middle-ground text editing program between the more robust Word and the basic Notepad. Offering basic formatting options such as fonts, colors, and paragraph alignment, it became a popular choice for users handling small documents and notes. However, with the evolution of Microsoft's ecosystem, WordPad found itself caught between the comprehensive features of Word and the simplicity of Notepad.
Microsoft's decision to phase out WordPad aligns with its documentation, which has long recommended Word for rich text formats and Notepad for plain text. The lack of updates, such as the absence of a dark mode for Windows 11, signaled that WordPad might be on its way out. In contrast, Notepad received updates, including a dark mode and upcoming autosave capabilities, indicating Microsoft's focus on its more streamlined text-editing alternatives.
For many users, WordPad was their initial introduction to word processing before moving on to more advanced tools like Word. However, with its retirement, Microsoft seems to be streamlining its applications to better cater to contemporary document creation needs.
Notepad remains as the go-to option for quick notes, while the comprehensive Office suite covers anything more advanced. After three decades of technological changes, WordPad finds itself stepping aside as Microsoft adapts its suite of applications to meet the evolving preferences of its users.