Microsoft is set to release its upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, which will bring a plethora of new features to users. However, the update will also remove three iconic apps, including WordPad, Cortana, and Tips. The removal of these apps has sparked debate among users, with many expressing sadness at the loss of these familiar applications.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of Cortana as a standalone app. Cortana will still be available within other Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Teams Display, Outlook Mobile, Teams Mobile, and Microsoft Teams Rooms. The update will also introduce a full-screen version of Copilot, which will be treated as a proper app, similar to the ChatGPT Mac app.
The Tips app will continue to receive updates with information on new Windows features until its eventual removal. However, WordPad will no longer receive updates and will eventually be removed. Microsoft is encouraging users to employ Microsoft Word and Windows Editor for handling documents, rather than relying on WordPad.
The removal of these apps has significant implications for administrators, professional Windows users, and private users alike. For instance, VBScript, an iconic programming app, will be removed in the future. Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to more modern alternatives such as PowerShell and JavaScript, which are more in line with modern web development.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 Update Brings New Features and Farewells
The Windows 11 24H2 update will also bring hardware requirements centered around SSE4.2 or Streaming SIMD Extensions 4.2, as well as support for Wi-Fi 7, the latest evolution in the 802.11 IEEE standard wireless networking. This update demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to modernizing its operating system and incorporating new technologies.
The removal of WordPad, in particular, is a significant change, as it has been a staple of the Windows operating system since Windows 95. Many users will likely miss the app, which has been a trusted tool for handling documents and editing text. The lack of an exact date for the app’s removal has added to the uncertainty and confusion surrounding its departure.
The impact of the update on users will vary, depending on their specific needs and habits. However, it is clear that the Windows 11 24H2 update will bring significant changes to the operating system, including new features and hardware requirements. As users navigate this change, they will need to adapt to new tools and workflows, and potentially relearn how to complete certain tasks.
Ultimately, the removal of WordPad, Cortana, and Tips marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to its operating system. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to modernizing its offerings and incorporating new technologies, even if this means saying goodbye to familiar applications. As users migrate to the new update, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft’s vision for its operating system unfolds and what new features and innovations it has in store for the future.
