After 28 years, WordPad is a thing of the past from Windows – Windows 11

This decision is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve the operating system and remove components that have little use in order to focus on more advanced applications. In the case of the notebook, this move marks the end of a 28-year journey.

As spotted Tom's devices, the latest Windows 11 Canary beta does not include WordPad as part of the default Windows package. Microsoft appears to be encouraging users to explore the more comprehensive Office suite, which includes apps like Microsoft Word for a more advanced word processing experience. Naturally, this alternative comes at a cost, but at the same time, the company also reports online versions of Office that it provides completely free.

In a way, the removal of the app underscores Microsoft's commitment to evolving its offerings in response to changing user needs. WordPad has long been known for its simplicity and ease of use. It provided basic word processing capabilities for users who needed a “lightweight” alternative to more powerful word processors. However, as the Microsoft Office suite evolved and feature-rich alternatives became available, WordPad's role diminished over time.

This decision is in line with Microsoft's broader strategy to offer an improved and modern suite of software. It also represents a shift in focus towards providing users with advanced tools that meet modern productivity requirements. However, the notebook's retirement has received mixed reactions from the user community. While some are hailing the move as a necessary one, others are expressing nostalgia for the familiar text editor that has been part of the Windows experience for nearly three decades.

The upcoming Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020 is also said to remove Cortana completely as well to pave the way for Microsoft's strategy of turning Copilot into more than just an AI assistant.