Bidding Farewell to WordPad Windows 12 to Omit This Service
While WordPad may not enjoy the same level of popularity as Notepad or Microsoft Word, it has garnered a dedicated
In a significant development, it has been confirmed that Windows 12, slated for release in the fall of 2024, will no longer include Microsoft's long-standing WordPad application. WordPad has been a part of the Windows ecosystem for an impressive 28 years but has seen limited updates since Windows 7. The last substantial update, featuring the Ribbon UI, has introduced back in October 2009.
Shifting Focus: Notepad and Word Take Center Stage
In recent years, Microsoft has shifted its focus towards enhancing Notepad and Microsoft Word, leaving WordPad as an optional Windows feature since 2020. A recent update to a support document by Microsoft revealed that WordPad replaced in a forthcoming OS release.
Although Microsoft hasn't disclosed the exact timeframe for WordPad's removal from Windows, the support document references "a future release of Windows." It's highly probable that Windows 12 will mark the first Windows version to exclude WordPad.
Microsoft's Recommendations
In light of this change, Microsoft suggests alternatives for different text document needs. For rich text documents like .doc and .rtf files, Microsoft Word has recommended. For plain text documents like .txt files, Windows Notepad is the suggested option.
WordPad's Niche Appeal
While WordPad may not enjoy the same level of popularity as Notepad or Microsoft Word, it has garnered a dedicated following within the tech community. This lightweight Microsoft application has favored for note-taking, especially when combined with screenshots and images. Its advantage lies in its minimal hardware requirements and the ability to function offline, making it a practical choice for certain use cases.
