Microsoft announced that the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update will automatically remove the Cortana, Tips, and WordPad applications. This change was revealed in a blog post about the new Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100.712), now available for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel.
The standalone Cortana app was removed from Windows 11 in preview build 25967 for Insiders in the Canary Channel in early October. Microsoft had earlier announced plans to end support for Cortana in a June support document and deprecated it in an August Canary build.
In September, Microsoft said it would phase out WordPad, a program automatically installed on Windows systems since 1995 and an optional feature since Windows 10 Insider Build 19551 in February 2020.
In November, users were informed that the Tips app would also be removed in a future Windows release. The Windows Insider Program Team confirmed that Cortana, Tips, and WordPad will be removed after upgrading to Windows 11, version 24H2, stating these apps are now deprecated.
Windows Insiders can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 on compatible devices via Settings > Windows Update. Commercial customers can also upgrade through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Service (WSUS).
Previously, Microsoft planned to remove the classic Windows Paint app with the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update in July 2017. However, due to negative feedback, it was made available via the Microsoft Store instead.
Additionally, Microsoft announced it would deprecate the Defender Application Guard for Office and the Windows Security Isolation APIs. They also plan to start phasing out VBScript in the second half of 2024, eventually disabling it by default and removing it from Windows. This is part of a broader effort to eliminate features used in malware attacks.
