In a significant move, Microsoft has decided to bid farewell to WordPad, the trusty word processing software that has accompanied Windows users since the days of Windows 95. The company has ceased updates for WordPad and is slated to remove it in an upcoming Windows release. Instead, Microsoft will advocate for the use of its robust paid word processor, Microsoft Word, which has consistently offered a plethora of features beyond the basic WordPad application.
Microsoft’s intention to part ways with WordPad was unveiled through a support note issued on a Friday. The note states, “WordPad is no longer being updated and will be removed in a future release of Windows.” This move aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to guide users towards Microsoft Word for creating rich text documents in formats like .doc and .rtf, while Windows Notepad remains the go-to for plain text documents in .txt format.
Interestingly, Microsoft’s decision to retire WordPad comes hot on the heels of their announcement regarding the enhancement of Windows Notepad. Users can look forward to features such as autosave and automatic tab restoration in an upcoming update. This marks a continuation of Microsoft’s commitment to refining its offerings, as they initially revamped Windows Notepad back in 2018 and subsequently introduced tab support in the Windows 11 version.
While Windows Notepad received a fair share of attention and updates, WordPad’s evolution remained relatively subdued. Although it received a makeover with Windows 7’s Ribbon UI and underwent a minor redesign during Windows 8, it hasn’t seen significant additions in recent years. As a result, Microsoft has decided to retire WordPad entirely, with the likely culmination of this decision occurring in the anticipated Windows 12 version, expected to debut in 2024. This forthcoming release is anticipated to showcase an array of AI-powered features, ushering in a new era of Windows functionality.
The retirement of WordPad signals a shift in Microsoft’s approach to word processing software for Windows users. As we bid farewell to this familiar companion, it’s clear that Microsoft envisions a future where Microsoft Word, with its extensive feature set, takes center stage. The upcoming Windows 12 release promises to be a milestone, boasting AI-powered capabilities that are sure to reshape the Windows experience. For users, this transition offers an opportunity to explore the rich functionalities of Microsoft Word and the enhanced capabilities of Windows Notepad, making it an exciting time for the Windows ecosystem.
