Microsoft Retires WordPad, Encourages Shift to Office Suite

The forthcoming Windows 11 update also eliminates Cortana, marking a shift towards Microsoft's Copilot AI.

Microsoft has decided to retire WordPad, a text editor that has been part of Windows operating systems since Windows 95, as part of its ongoing efforts to refine its software lineup and focus on more advanced applications.
The recent Canary build of Windows 11 does not include WordPad as part of the default software package, and Microsoft is encouraging users to explore its more comprehensive Office suite, which includes applications like Microsoft Word.
The retirement of WordPad has received mixed reactions from the user community, with some applauding the move as a necessary step toward a more cohesive and advanced software ecosystem, while others express nostalgia for the familiar text editor.
The forthcoming Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26020 is also said to eliminate Cortana to pave the way for Microsoft’s strategy of transforming Copilot AI into more than just an assistant.
Microsoft has been busy pruning other apps installed by default as part of Windows 11 in recent times, including the Movies & TV app, although this can still be installed from the Microsoft Store if desired.