End of an Era: Microsoft Decides to Retire WordPad App After 28 Years, No Longer Available on Computers and Laptops

Microsoft WordPad and Paint to Be Separated from Windows OS

Microsoft is planning to remove WordPad and Paint applications from its Windows operating system. This update was first seen in the Windows 11 Insider build. According to a blog post, “WordPad and Paint will not be installed by default after a clean install of a future Insider Preview build, but they will remain available in the Store and can be installed at any time.”

This move is part of Microsoft’s effort to streamline its operating system and separate certain applications from the default installation. Users will still have the option to download and install WordPad and Paint from the Microsoft Store as needed.

WordPad Not Removed, Users Can Still Install It

The application in question, WordPad, has been available with Windows since 1995. According to media reports, Microsoft Write is replacing WordPad. It offered more features than Notepad and is considered an advanced version. Although the application has been around for 28 years, Microsoft is not removing it entirely. Users will still be able to install it, unlike the recent decision to uninstall Paint and WordPad by default in a future Windows Insider Preview build.

WordPad users can take solace in the fact that the company has not removed it from stable Windows 11 versions. It will remain available for users who wish to continue using it. For those installing new versions of Windows or updating their current version, WordPad will not be removed, and users can continue to utilize it. Users looking for alternatives can consider Microsoft Word for .doc and .rtf files and Windows Notepad for .txt files.

Microsoft Introduces New Key for Copilot Feature in Keyboards

Microsoft is making a significant change to laptop and PC keyboards by introducing a new key specifically for its AI chatbot Copilot. This change comes after nearly 30 years of using the same keyboard layout. Microsoft is replacing the ‘Caps Lock’ key with the new ‘Copilot Key’ in most keyboards, placing it next to the ‘Alt’ key on the left side. This move aims to enhance user experience and marks a departure from the traditional keyboard setup.

The Copilot Key will replace the ‘Caps Lock’ key on the left side of most keyboards, including those of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other markets. Currently, it is available in Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system and can be found next to the ‘Alt’ key, differentiated by the Copilot logo. This change is a significant deviation from the keyboard layout that has been consistent since Microsoft introduced the Windows/Start key in 1994.