Microsoft has finally released the much-anticipated Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2), bringing a plethora of innovative features and improvements to the table. However, this major feature update comes with a price – some beloved apps and features will be saying goodbye forever.
The Demise of Familiar Apps
Microsoft has been signaling these changes for a while now, but it's still hard to say farewell to well-known apps like Windows Mixed Reality, Tips, and Wordpad. Fortunately, there are alternatives available to fill the void left by their departure. For instance, you can opt for Microsoft Word for rich text documents or use Windows Editor for text-only files.
The Roadmap to Removal
Microsoft has published a list of deprecated Windows features, detailing which apps will be removed with the release of the Windows 11 2024 Update. It's not just about removing old apps; it's about making room for new and improved features in the pipeline. Some features have been targeted for removal for months, and this update is finally bringing those changes to fruition.
Cortana's Evolution
Cortana, once an integral part of Windows, has evolved into a standalone app. Although its functionality remains available within Outlook Mobile, Teams Mobile, Microsoft Teams Display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms, it's no longer doing much on its own – making it a reminder of what could have been.
The Fading Out of Windows Mixed Reality
Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) was once the talk of the town, with Microsoft investing heavily in promoting this virtual reality counterpart to its augmented-reality headset, HoloLens. However, WMR apps like the Mixed Reality Portal apps and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR are now deprecated in the Windows 11 2024 Update.
A Glimmer of Hope
If you've invested in WMR and want to keep downloading apps from Steam, don't update to the Windows 11 2024 Update just yet. Existing WMR devices will continue to work with Steam until November 2026 if you remain on your current released version of Windows 11 (version 23H2). After that date, WMR will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.
WordPad's Demise
WordPad, once a beloved rich text editor, is also being phased out. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Word for .doc and .rtf files and Windows Editor for .txt files instead. Wordpad will be removed from all editions of Windows starting with Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2026.
A Trick to Save WordPad
Did you know that you can copy the WordPad files to a USB stick before upgrading to preserve it for future generations of Windows? Our article details how you can do just that.
The Farewell Party Continues
The Steps Recorder is also on the chopping block, so if you need to record problems or step-by-step instructions, use the snipping tool instead. Microsoft is also removing the scripting language VBScript and the Tips app, which served as a guide for users on what's new and changed within Windows.
Arm PCs: A Farewell to 32-Bit Apps
If you're an early adopter of Arm PCs running 32-bit apps, support for those apps is being discontinued. The vast majority of Arm chips in the market today are 64-bit processors, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite. While this might not affect many users or apps, Microsoft warns that you may notice a difference in app performance.
The Complete List
For a comprehensive look at all the features – including developer-specific features – that Microsoft plans to remove with the Windows 11 2024 Update, be sure to check out our list.