Information sourced from our experts indicates that WordPad, the classic rich editing application that has been a central part of the Windows platform since its inception with Windows 95, is about to be shoved out the backdoor. Microsoft has signified its intent to deprecate the software, a clear signal that the program will likely be removed in a forthcoming version of Windows.

WordPad Heading for Windows’ Chop Block

Our trusted sources established that the decision to pull the plug on WordPad was officially declared during September 2023. WordPad’s swansong is steadily ushering in an era where this once pivotal software shall no longer be part of future Windows’ offerings.

Indications of WordPad’s imminent departure from Windows’ family of programs have already started showing. According to recent updates, the latest Windows Eleven Canary Channel version will omit WordPad. Complete new installations of the Windows Eleven build will not include WordPad. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the actual number of users that still depend on WordPad, its retirement will leave Windows 11 devoid of a native rich text editor. However, users can resort to other available free alternatives such as the thriving open-source software, LibreOffice.

The Waning Popularity of WordPad

In Microsoft’s words, “WordPad is no longer receiving updates and is targeted for removal in a future release of Windows. We recommend Microsoft Word for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf and Windows Notepad for plain text documents like .txt.”

Based on our in-house research, WordPad was first presented to users with the release of Windows 95, effectively displacing Microsoft Write. However, the decision to retire WordPad seems logical, considering that it has not been updated with new features like its counterpart Windows Notepad. The concept of a “rich text editor” may also have lost its appeal given the advent of text editors like Notepad and Notepad++, coupled with word processing platforms like Microsoft Word. The need for a middle ground platform is diminishing.

Although Microsoft has remained silent regarding when it will permanently remove WordPad, only time will tell whether users will rally behind WordPad akin to their support for Microsoft Paint. However, sentiments of doubt loom over the prospect of WordPad escaping a similar fate. The age-old adage, ‘time waits for no one,’ appears fully applicable to WordPad.

This article was updated on January 29, 2024, incorporating additional details concerning WordPad’s future.