Microsoft is discontinuing WordPad on Windows after a 28-year run

Microsoft has announced its plans to phase out WordPad in a future Windows update since it is no longer actively being developed. However, the exact timing of this transition has not been specified.

WordPad, a basic text-editing tool allowing users to create and edit documents with formatted text, as well as incorporate images and links to other files, has been a part of Windows since 1995, starting with the release of Windows 95. It served as a fundamental word processor and document editor integrated into the operating system.

Microsoft now recommends the use of the Microsoft Word application as a substitute for WordPad users who require rich text formatting. For those who only need plain text functionality, they suggest using Windows Notepad.

In Microsoft's words, "WordPad is no longer receiving updates and will be removed in a future Windows release." This development is not entirely unexpected, as WordPad became an optional Windows feature starting with the Windows 10 Insider Build 19551 release in February 2020. While it still comes pre-installed on all Windows systems by default, users have had the option to uninstall it via the 'Optional features' control panel.

Although not explicitly cited as the reason for WordPad's discontinuation, earlier this year, the Qbot malware operation exploited a DLL hijacking vulnerability in the Windows 10 WordPad application, further underscoring the need for its retirement.

It's worth noting that Microsoft previously considered deprecating the classic Windows Paint application in July 2017 with the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update but ultimately decided to keep it available through the Microsoft Store due to popular demand. Similarly, if there's sufficient demand, Microsoft might consider moving WordPad to its app store to ensure it remains accessible as a less feature-rich alternative to Microsoft Office and similar software.

Additionally, Microsoft has officially begun phasing out the Cortana voice-based assistant in Windows 11 Canary preview builds released in early August 2023, with the role of a Windows digital assistant being filled by the AI-powered Windows Copilot introduced during the year's Build conference.