Saying farewell to an old friend, WordPad
Would you believe it? After three decades of loyal service, Microsoft is finally bidding farewell to WordPad. The application that made its debut with Windows 95, allowing you to open a .doc file without Word, is getting the boot.
So, why now, and how does this impact your business?
Microsoft recently revealed its plans to cease updates for WordPad and eventually remove it from the Windows suite. The details are a bit hazy, and the timing remains uncertain, but it’s definitely in the pipeline.
Let’s be real though, how many times have you unintentionally opened a document in WordPad when you were actually aiming for Notepad? Notepad is the go-to for plain text, while WordPad is more of a word processor.
Could this confusing mix-up be the catalyst for WordPad’s impending departure? Or is Microsoft subtly nudging users toward opting for Microsoft Word, a pivotal component of the Microsoft 365 suite?
According to Microsoft’s recently updated Windows deprecated features list, they advocate for Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. So, in essence, “WordPad who?”
But let’s not get too sentimental. Confessions of a lifelong Windows user: WordPad has mostly been opened by accident. If it disappears, there won’t be any sleep lost. Numerous other word processors are available, and Word is a personal favorite.
However, if you’re a devoted WordPad enthusiast, don’t lose hope just yet. Microsoft is seeking feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub app. If there’s a groundswell of support, who knows? Perhaps Microsoft will reconsider and allow WordPad to linger, even if it’s just as an optional, infrequently updated app in the Microsoft Store.
If you’re on the lookout for the best apps tailored to your business, feel free to reach out to us at GZD for further assistance.
