Believe it or not, after an impressive 30-year run, Microsoft is finally pulling the plug on WordPad, the humble text editor that has been a part of Windows since its debut with Windows 95. Yes, that’s right, the app that has bailed us out of countless situations when we needed to open a .doc file without Microsoft Word installed is being ushered towards retirement. But what’s the deal with this decision, and how might it affect your business?
Recently, Microsoft quietly dropped the bombshell that they plan to cease updates for WordPad and, eventually, remove it from Windows altogether. The exact timeline for this transition remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. So, what prompted this unexpected farewell to a long-standing utility?
Let’s face it; many of us have inadvertently clicked on WordPad when our intended target was Notepad. Notepad, the trusty plain text editor, is suitable for basic text manipulation. WordPad, on the other hand, leans more towards word processing
territory. It’s an easy mix-up, given the similarities in their names and purposes.
Could this common confusion be the driving force behind WordPad’s impending exit? Or is Microsoft nudging us, ever so gently, towards embracing Microsoft Word, an integral part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which comes with a price tag?
Microsoft’s recently updated Windows deprecated features list drops a not-so-subtle hint by recommending Microsoft Word for handling rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. It’s almost like they’re saying,
“WordPad, who?” But let’s not get too sentimental here. As someone who has spent a lifetime in the Windows ecosystem, I’ll readily admit that I’ve more often opened WordPad by mistake than with a specific purpose in mind. If WordPad were to vanish from the
Windows lineup, I doubt I’d lose any sleep over it. After all, there is an abundance of alternative word processors available, and I’ve personally developed quite an affection for Microsoft Word.
Now, if you’re one of the diehard WordPad aficionados, fret not just yet. Microsoft is open to feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub app. So, if there’s a groundswell of support, who’s to say Microsoft won’t reconsider and offer
WordPad as an optional, albeit infrequently updated, app via the Microsoft Store?
In the grand scheme of things, the demise of WordPad might not be earth-shattering, especially for businesses that have diversified their software tools. But if you find yourself needing guidance on the best applications for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of software choices.