Farewell, Old Friends: Windows 11 25H2 Bids Adieu to Beloved Features

Get ready for a significant shift in the Windows landscape! The next major iteration, potentially dubbed Windows 11 version 25H2 (or by its platform codename, 'Germanium'), is on the horizon, slated for a late 2024 or early 2025 release. And with it comes a wave of goodbyes to some long-standing, and in some cases, truly iconic features that have been part of our digital lives for decades.

Microsoft is consistently evolving its flagship operating system, streamlining experiences, and integrating newer technologies.

This often means making tough calls about legacy tools that no longer fit the modern vision. The upcoming 25H2 update is a prime example of this strategic pruning, urging users to embrace the latest and greatest alternatives.

The End of an Era: WordPad Closes its Chapter

Perhaps the most poignant departure is that of WordPad.

For 28 years, this humble rich text editor served as a faithful companion, nestled perfectly between the simplicity of Notepad and the comprehensive power of Microsoft Word. It was the go-to for quick formatting, basic document creation, and a stepping stone for many into the world of word processing.

But its time has come. Microsoft officially announced its removal, stating that users should transition to Notepad for plain text or Microsoft Word for more advanced features. It’s a nostalgic loss for many who grew up with WordPad, marking the end of an era for a tool that predates Windows 95.

No More Step-by-Step: Steps Recorder Bows Out

Another utility making its exit is Steps Recorder (PSR).

This handy tool, often used to help users document an issue for technical support by recording screenshots of each click and action, is also being retired. While useful, Microsoft is pointing users towards more robust and integrated solutions. For capturing steps, the Snipping Tool is getting better with screen recording capabilities, and the Xbox Game Bar offers advanced video capture.

For more detailed instructional videos, Clipchamp is being positioned as a modern alternative.

The Tips App: Learning Moves Online

The Tips app, designed to guide users through Windows features and functionalities, is also on the chopping block. In an age where information is readily available online through search engines, support pages, and community forums, a dedicated app for tips has become somewhat redundant.

Microsoft is likely consolidating its educational content into web-based resources, making the app unnecessary.

Outlook's Evolution: Older Versions Get the Boot

Email management is also undergoing a transformation. Microsoft is pushing hard for the adoption of the 'New Outlook for Windows,' a universal client based on the web.

Consequently, older versions of Outlook for Windows, which have served users for years, will no longer be supported. This move aims to standardize the email experience across devices and ensure users are on the most current, feature-rich platform.

Cortana's Final Curtain Call

While largely deprecated already, Cortana is finally getting a complete removal.

Microsoft's ambitious voice assistant struggled to find its footing against competitors and has been slowly phased out over recent Windows versions. Its full removal solidifies Microsoft's shift away from a dedicated voice assistant, likely in favor of AI-powered features integrated more subtly into the OS, such as those found in Copilot.

Beyond the User Interface: Deprecating Core Technologies

The changes aren't just limited to user-facing applications.

Several underlying technologies and diagnostic tools are also being deprecated or removed:

• Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT): This tool, used for collecting diagnostic data, is being retired, with Microsoft encouraging a transition to the new Microsoft Diagnostics platform.
• Remote Mailslots & WebClient (WebDAV) service: These older networking protocols are also slated for removal, as modern alternatives offer more secure and efficient communication.
• VBScript: This scripting language, a staple for many legacy applications and system administrators, is being deprecated.

  While not immediately removed, Microsoft has made it clear that VBScript will be removed in future releases, pushing developers towards PowerShell, JavaScript, and other modern scripting languages.

These changes reflect Microsoft's ongoing effort to modernize Windows 11, shedding older technologies and applications in favor of leaner, more integrated, and often cloud-connected alternatives.

While saying goodbye can be bittersweet, these shifts typically pave the way for a more streamlined, secure, and performant operating system experience. It’s a clear message: the future of Windows is about embracing the new.