The end of an era: Goodbye WordPad
After three decades of dedicated service, Microsoft has made the decision to discontinue WordPad. This iconic app, which was introduced alongside Windows 95, allowed users to access .doc files without requiring Microsoft Word. Discover more about this significant change and its implications for users.
Why is this happening now and how does it impact your business?
Microsoft has recently unveiled its plans to discontinue updates for WordPad and eventually eliminate it from the Windows platform. Although the announcement was made discreetly, the precise timeline for this transition remains uncertain. However, the removal process is currently in progress.
Admit it, we’ve all been there… How many times have you unintentionally opened a document in WordPad instead of Notepad?
Notepad is what you use for plain text. WordPad is more like a word processor. Everyone gets them confused.
Could this frequent confusion be the underlying cause of WordPad’s impending demise? Alternatively, it could be Microsoft’s attempt to encourage a greater number of individuals to invest in Microsoft Word, a vital component of its Microsoft 365 suite.
According to Microsoft’s updated list of deprecated features for Windows, they suggest utilizing Microsoft Word for creating rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. So essentially, we can now bid farewell to WordPad!
However let’s not delve into sentimentality. Being a devoted Windows user, I must admit that I’ve unintentionally opened WordPad most of the time. Even if it were to disappear, I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. Numerous alternative word processors are readily available, and I happen to have a fondness for Word.
Despite your strong affinity for WordPad, there’s no need to lose hope just yet. Microsoft is actively seeking feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub app. If there is a significant outpouring of support, there’s a chance that Microsoft may reconsider, allowing WordPad to remain available as an optional, though infrequently updated, app from the Microsoft Store. Keep your fingers crossed!
If you’re looking to find the optimal apps for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you in discovering the most suitable solutions for your needs.
