Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of WordPad, the long-standing text editor first introduced with Windows 95. The software giant confirmed that WordPad would be excluded from Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, and Windows Server 2025. This decision marks the end of the application’s availability in Microsoft’s operating systems, directing users and developers towards alternative software solutions. Microsoft initially announced the end of WordPad at the start of this year.
Implications for Developers and Users
In a detailed document released on the Microsoft Learn website, the company outlined the implications of WordPad’s removal. The specific components to be eliminated include `wordpad.exe`, `write.exe`, and `wordpadfilter.dll`. Microsoft advises developers to refrain from referencing these files in their applications, suggesting Microsoft Word and Notepad as replacements. For users who frequently work with RTF (Rich Text Format) files, Microsoft recommends transitioning to Microsoft Word, highlighting the absence of a built-in text editor with RTF support in future Windows versions. Notepad is suggested for handling plain text files, benefiting from recent enhancements and new features.
Community Response and Alternatives
With no official method to reinstall WordPad post-removal, users interested in retaining the application may have to rely on the enthusiast community for solutions. Windows is capable of backward compatibility, offering hope that restoring WordPad, similar to the restoration of previous versions of Task Manager and Notepad, could be feasible for those with the technical know-how.
Microsoft’s decision to phase out WordPad reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline its operating system offerings and direct users towards more modern and feature-rich applications. As the tech community and users prepare for this transition, the legacy of WordPad as a simple yet functional text editor will remain a notable chapter in the history of Windows software.
