In an upcoming update, Microsoft is set to make significant changes to its operating system with the release of Windows 11 24H2. This update promises several new features but also comes with the controversial removal of three beloved apps: WordPad, Cortana, and Tips. While these changes might surprise you, let’s break down what this means for your daily computer use.
What will happen to Cortana?
Cortana, the virtual assistant many of you have come to know, will no longer exist as a standalone app on Windows. However, this doesn’t mean the end of Cortana entirely. You will still find it embedded in other Microsoft applications like Microsoft Teams Display, Outlook Mobile, Teams Mobile, and Microsoft Teams Rooms. This move aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to integrate AI more deeply into their ecosystem, with the new full-screen version of Copilot stepping in to replace Cortana’s functions. Copilot will act more like a standalone app, similar to the ChatGPT app for Mac.
The end of WordPad and Tips
WordPad, a staple of the Windows operating system since 1995, will also be saying goodbye. Microsoft has decided that WordPad will no longer receive updates and will eventually be removed from your computers. Instead, they suggest using Microsoft Word or Windows Editor for document handling. While no exact removal date has been given, you can expect WordPad to disappear with the rollout of Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 version 24H2.
The Tips app will continue to provide updates about new Windows features until it is removed. This app has been a helpful guide for many users, especially those unfamiliar with new features in Windows updates. Its content will remain current until Microsoft decides to phase it out.
Other notable removals and updates
The upcoming changes aren’t limited to these three apps. For administrators, professional Windows users, and private users, the list of removed apps includes VBScript, another iconic programming tool. Initially, VBScript will transition to an on-demand feature with the Windows 11 24H2 update, enabled by default. However, Microsoft plans to remove it completely in the future. They recommend using alternatives like PowerShell and JavaScript, which are more suited to modern web development.
In addition to these app removals, the Windows 11 24H2 update will introduce new hardware requirements and features. One notable update is the support for Wi-Fi 7, the latest advancement in wireless networking under the 802.11 IEEE standard. Additionally, the update will focus on SSE4.2 (Streaming SIMD Extensions 4.2), ensuring better performance and compatibility with modern hardware.
While these changes might bring some nostalgia and inconvenience, they also pave the way for more advanced and integrated applications. Microsoft’s push towards AI and modern web development tools reflects the ongoing evolution of technology. Stay tuned for the Windows 11 24H2 update to see these changes unfold on your devices.
