As Microsoft continues to update its Windows operating system, it introduces new features and says goodbye to old ones.
These changes often go unnoticed until users realize they need a function that has been removed.
One such example is the elimination of certain outdated Windows features such as WordPad, Cortana, and VBScript.
Despite being subtle, these changes can significantly impact users who depend on these tools for their daily computing tasks.
WordPad
Among the list of old Windows features set to disappear is WordPad, the simplistic word processor bundled with Windows.
Microsoft has officially announced its removal from future iterations of the operating system.
While WordPad still lingers in Windows 11 23H2, its days are numbered, with speculations pointing to its exclusion in Windows 11 24H2.
With Microsoft ceasing updates for WordPad, users may begin the quest to seek alternatives such as Word Online, Google Docs, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice.
Cortana
Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, is another casualty in the Windows feature list. The standalone Cortana application is being phased out and Microsoft is introducing its new Copilot AI as a replacement.
Users familiar with Cortana should adapt to Copilot for an easy transition.
VBScript
Those who rely on VBScript for scripting tasks will be disappointed by Microsoft's decision to phase it out from future Windows versions.
With this change on the horizon, VBScript users will need to find alternative scripting solutions.
The expected removal of VBScript is set to happen in Windows 11 24H2, encouraging users to consider other scripting languages or tools.
WebDAV
WebDAV, a protocol often used to integrate cloud storage as a Windows drive, is also being eliminated. With Microsoft's decision to remove the WebClient, WebDAV functionality will cease to exist in Windows.
Due to this modification, users who depend on WebDAV for cloud integration will face difficulties.
TLS Certificates Under Scrutiny
Microsoft intends to deprecate backing for TLS certificates with RSA keys less than 2,048 bits. According to experts, 2048-bit encryption only remains safe until 2030.
The upcoming end of support for these certificates in Windows 10 and 11 seems to be essential in order to provide users with stronger and more secure encryption. Not doing so could lead to applications facing compatibility issues after the update.
Problem Logging (psr.exe)
Psr.exe, the Windows problem recording tool, has been effective for users who need to record their screens or capture their clicks for documentation purposes.
Microsoft will also be phasing out this feature. Users will have to use alternative tools, such as the snipping tool, to capture screenshots and document errors.
Windows Mail Makes Way for Outlook
Microsoft would also replace Windows Mail and Outlook Express with the Outlook app.
However, this shift has been criticized due to differences in Outlook's features and worries about data being routed through Microsoft servers.
In response to these changes, users will seek to explore alternatives like Mozilla Thunderbird.
Wmic.exe
Microsoft would also remove wmic.exe, a command-line tool used for Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) queries, indicating a move towards newer technologies.
The decision by Microsoft to label wmic.exe as outdated means that users will need to transition to different methods for retrieving system information, such as PowerShell and the Get-WmiObject cmdlet.
Windows-to-Go and HomeGroup
Windows-to-Go, a useful option for running Windows from external drives, is another feature users would have to say goodbye to.
Although current shares established using HomeGroups will remain, the feature itself will be removed from the operating system.
Wrapping up
The elimination of outdated Windows features reflects Microsoft's continuous endeavor to simplify its operating system and adjust to evolving technologies. Although these modifications might present difficulties for certain users, they also create opportunities to integrate more advanced and effective solutions.
Consequently, as users say goodbye to familiar features, they should ready themselves to investigate and adjust to emerging technological advancements and innovations.