Farewell to Familiar Features in Windows 11 24H2
The recent launch of Windows 11 24H2 has ushered in a new era for Microsoft’s flagship operating system, but it also marks the end of an era for some familiar features. Among the most significant casualties is WordPad, which has been officially deprecated as of 2023. Microsoft has announced that this lightweight word processor will no longer be included in any editions of Windows starting with version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. Users seeking to create rich text documents are now directed towards Microsoft Word, which requires a paid license, while those in need of plain text can still rely on the classic Windows Notepad.
WordPad has held a peculiar position in the Windows ecosystem since its debut in 1995, accompanying the launch of Windows 95. It was designed to bridge the gap between Notepad’s simplicity and the complexity of full-fledged word processors. However, while Notepad has seen a series of enhancements—most recently gaining a spelling checker—WordPad’s development stagnated. The confirmation of its removal last year, followed by the stripping of its code in the latest release, underscores a shift in Microsoft’s focus.
In addition to WordPad, Windows 11 24H2 has also bid adieu to Windows Mixed Reality, a feature that had generated considerable excitement in earlier years. This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy, as the company has decided to discontinue support for its augmented reality headset, HoloLens. Users who rely on Mixed Reality headsets are advised to remain on Windows 11 23H2 for the time being, particularly if they wish to continue using Valve’s gaming service, Steam. Microsoft has made it clear that after November 2026, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer receive any security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, marking a definitive end to its lifecycle.
Reflecting on the past, Microsoft once appeared eager to capitalize on the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. The company had joined the AllJoyn framework, which aimed to facilitate communication among connected devices across different platforms. This technology was integrated into Windows 10 but has now been removed from Windows 11, starting with version 24H2. Initially championed by the AllSeen Alliance, AllJoyn’s journey took a turn when the group merged with the Open Connectivity Foundation in 2016. Although an open-source project emerged on GitHub in 2018, it has since remained largely inactive.
The removal of these features from Windows 11 24H2 serves as a poignant reminder that once an item appears on the Deprecated Features list, its days are numbered. As Microsoft continues to refine its offerings, users may want to keep a close eye on the horizon, as other familiar tools, such as VBScript, may soon follow suit.
