The Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) has arrived, bringing several new features, but also marking the end for a number of older apps and functionalities. As Microsoft rolls out this major update, users will notice the removal of long-standing features like Windows Mixed Reality, WordPad, and more.
Though some of these changes were hinted at earlier, the 24H2 update officially deprecates these applications, leaving users to find alternatives. Microsoft plans to phase in the update over the next few weeks, allowing time to adjust before these tools disappear from your system.
Microsoft’s list of deprecated features includes several apps that have already been sidelined, such as Cortana. As of early October 2024, Cortana no longer functions in Windows, although it remains available in mobile apps like Outlook and Teams. Microsoft’s once-promising Windows Mixed Reality platform will also vanish, with the company confirming that Mixed Reality Portal and Steam VR support will cease. Users wanting to continue using Mixed Reality on Steam should hold off on updating, as the platform will remain functional through November 2026 if they stick to version 23H2.
Another notable removal is WordPad, Windows’ long-standing rich text editor. While WordPad provided a simpler, free alternative to Microsoft Word, it will be discontinued with the 24H2 update. Microsoft suggests using Word for rich text documents and Windows Editor for plain text files as substitutes moving forward. WordPad will be removed starting with Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025.