Microsoft has officially announced that it will remove WordPad in a future update to Windows.
This decision is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline and modernize its software offerings, eliminating tools that are considered obsolete or no longer necessary. WordPad has been a part of the Windows ecosystem since the 1990s, but in the rapidly changing world of technology, even the most familiar tools can become outdated.
Whether you're looking for a basic text editor or need something more powerful for professional work, we’ll guide you through the best replacement options.
What is WordPad?
WordPad is a basic word processor included with every version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95. While it offers more features than Notepad, such as text formatting, basic image insertion, and support for rich text format (RTF), it is significantly less advanced than a full-fledged word processor like Microsoft Word.
The features of WordPad are straightforward:
- Basic Text Formatting: Bold, italics, underline, font changes, and text alignment.
- Image Insertion: The ability to insert basic images into documents.
- Rich Text Format (RTF) Support: The ability to save and open documents in RTF, a more advanced format than plain text.
- Simple Interface: User-friendly and minimalistic, making it easy to create or edit documents without too much complexity quickly.
WordPad has always been a compromise between Notepad, the most basic text editor, and Microsoft Word, the robust word processing software. However, with Microsoft’s announcement, this longstanding tool will soon be discontinued.
Why is WordPad Being Removed?
Microsoft is getting rid of WordPad because, frankly, no one uses it anymore. When it first launched in the 90s, WordPad was a handy middle-ground between the basic Notepad and the powerhouse Microsoft Word. It was simple, quick, and got the job done when you didn’t need anything too fancy. But over the years, it’s been left behind. Microsoft stopped updating it meaningfully, so it doesn’t stack up to today’s more modern tools. As a result, most users have moved on.
The reality is that WordPad has become obsolete. Most people use Notepad for quick, no-frills notes or Microsoft Word when they need something more robust. WordPad’s "just enough" features no longer fit into anyone’s workflow. Whether you’re writing a quick note or working on a detailed document, there’s a better tool for the job now, which leaves WordPad sitting unused on most PCs.
Microsoft also doesn’t want to spend time or resources maintaining an outdated tool that doesn’t see much action. By cutting it, they can focus on apps people actually use—like Microsoft Word or the cloud-based tools in Microsoft 365. It’s a practical move for them and, honestly, one that most users won’t notice. It’s just a part of Microsoft’s larger shift toward making everything more modern, streamlined, and integrated with cloud services.
What to Use Instead of WordPad
With WordPad being phased out, you might wonder what to use for your writing needs. Thankfully, better tools can easily fill the gap, depending on what you need.
If all you’re doing is jotting down simple notes or writing basic text files, Notepad is the perfect alternative. It’s lightweight, fast, and gets right to the point. There’s no formatting, no frills, just plain text. It’s ideal for writing quick notes, code, or other straightforward text files. Plus, since it’s already built into Windows, you don’t have to download or set up anything new.
Microsoft Word is your WordPad alternative for more advanced work, like creating documents with images, tables, and formatting. It’s a far more powerful tool than WordPad, giving you everything from basic formatting to professional-level editing features. Whether you’re writing a report, designing a resume, or drafting up a business plan, Word has you covered.
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What's Next for WordPad Users?
Unlike Microsoft Paint, which Microsoft recently reworked to keep it relevant, WordPad is slated for complete removal from future versions of Windows. Microsoft has confirmed it will not receive any updates or revamps, signaling the end of the lightweight text editor.
This means it's time to say goodbye to WordPad and explore alternatives like Microsoft Word, Notepad, or third-party text editors offering more advanced features. For those who’ve relied on WordPad for quick document editing, it is time to migrate before it disappears entirely from Windows.
With WordPad being phased out, finding the right Microsoft Word version that fits your needs is essential. At SoftwareKeep, we’re here to help you navigate this transition! Whether you’re upgrading from WordPad or looking for advanced features in Microsoft Word, our expert team can guide you in selecting the perfect version for your tasks. Don’t wait—contact us today, and let’s ensure you have the best tools for your productivity!