After faithfully serving users for approximately three decades, Microsoft’s WordPad is set to retire. The recent Windows 11 Build 26020 Insider Preview’s Canary Channel revealed that WordPad will no longer be automatically installed with the new OS build and will be permanently removed in a future update. Microsoft has confirmed that once removed, the text editor will not be available for reinstallation, marking a definitive end to its journey.
WordPad, a default Microsoft application since its introduction with Windows 95, has been a familiar presence for many users. It was designed as a successor to Microsoft Write and positioned as a text editor with some functionalities of MS Word, while also being a more advanced version of the Notepad text editor, which was released in 1983.
However, Microsoft’s recent recommendations suggest a shift in its approach. The company now advises using Microsoft Word for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf, and Windows Notepad for plain text documents like .txt. This indicates that Microsoft may have recognized WordPad as an unnecessary middle ground between MS Word and Notepad.
While WordPad’s departure may not significantly impact many users, it does evoke a sense of nostalgia. Despite its limited use, WordPad was one of those constants that seemed like it would always be around. However, users can take solace in the fact that Notepad, another long-standing text editor, remains a part of the Windows family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is WordPad?
WordPad is a basic text-editing program that is included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 onwards. It is more advanced than Notepad but simpler than Microsoft Word.
2. Why is WordPad being removed?
Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for the removal of WordPad. However, it has recommended using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Notepad for plain text documents, suggesting that WordPad may be seen as an unnecessary middle ground.
3. Can I reinstall WordPad once it’s removed?
No, Microsoft has confirmed that once WordPad is removed, it will not be available for reinstallation.
4. What can I use instead of WordPad?
Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Notepad for plain text documents.
Glossary
Microsoft WordPad: A basic text-editing program included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 onwards.
Microsoft Write: The predecessor to WordPad, it was a basic word processor included with earlier versions of Microsoft Windows.
Microsoft Word: A word processing software developed by Microsoft. It is more advanced than WordPad and is used for creating, editing, formatting, and printing documents.
Notepad: A simple text editor for Microsoft Windows. It has been included in all versions of Windows since its first release in 1985.
Windows 11 Build 26020 Insider Preview’s Canary Channel: A specific version of the Windows 11 operating system that is available to developers and early adopters for testing new features and updates before they are released to the general public.
