The evolution of Windows is a constant journey; the operating system is in perpetual flux, with new iterations bringing an array of innovative tools, updated interfaces, and sometimes perplexing redesigns. Many familiar features may fade away unexpectedly with updates, leading users to speculate about the viability of once-reliable tools. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Windows features that have been retired and explore their modern replacements.
The Transition from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge
Shifting from Explorer to Edge
Internet Explorer served as the gateway to the online world for countless Windows users for many years. Initially, it was the main browser individuals utilized to surf the web. However, as the Internet evolved, Internet Explorer began losing relevance due to its inconsistent performance, sluggish speeds, and security vulnerabilities. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to improve it leading up to Windows 10, it was clear that Internet Explorer was no longer a valuable asset.
The introduction of Microsoft Edge marked a new era. Initially released alongside Windows 10 and powered by the EdgeHTML engine, the browser struggled with compatibility and feature limitations. A significant turning point occurred when Microsoft rebuilt Edge using the open-source Chromium platform, which revolutionized its performance, speed, and security. Now, Edge supports Chrome extensions, provides sync capabilities across devices, and comes equipped with advanced AI tools. Internet Explorer was officially retired in 2022, solidifying Edge’s role as its successor.
The Retirement of WordPad
WordPad: A Casualty of Change
WordPad had been part of the Windows ecosystem since 1995, striking a balance between the minimalist Notepad and the robust Microsoft Word. It served as a versatile tool for crafting school essays, opening informal documents, or taking notes with basic formatting options. However, in 2023, Microsoft announced WordPad’s phase-out, deeming it irrelevant in today’s app landscape and declining user interest. Instead, users were encouraged to opt for Notepad for simpler tasks or Microsoft Word for advanced needs.
Interestingly, Notepad has recently seen updates, including a dark mode, improved formatting options, auto-save features, and integration of AI tools, enhancing its utility for text editing.
From Cortana to Copilot
Cortana’s Decline and Copilot’s Rise
Once envisioned as a formidable rival to Siri and Alexa, Cortana was initially embedded in the Windows search interface, allowing users to retrieve weather forecasts, set reminders, and manage settings through voice commands. Unfortunately, it failed to capture the widespread engagement Microsoft anticipated. As a result, Cortana’s consumer features were gradually dialed back, culminating in the removal of the standalone app.
In its place, Microsoft introduced Copilot, an AI-driven assistant integrated within Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 environments. Unlike Cortana, Copilot centers on task completion through typed inputs and context-aware interactions, enabling users to draft emails, summarize texts, and alter system settings more efficiently — reflecting the actual usage patterns of modern PC users.
Windows Media Player Becomes Media Player
Goodbye to Burning CDs
Windows Media Player served as the main application for audio and video tasks for years, allowing users to create playlists, rip CDs, and watch movies. However, with the shift towards streaming services and new media formats, it grew increasingly obsolete. Microsoft made several attempts to find a substitute, including Groove Music and the Movies & TV app, but none fully resonated.
Currently, the new Media Player, released with Windows 11, offers a modernized design, increased file compatibility, and smoothly integrates music and video functionalities. Nostalgically, Windows Media Player still exists under the moniker of Windows Media Player Legacy, albeit hidden unless actively searched for.
Transition from Aero Glass to a Minimalistic Design
Simplicity Over Flashiness
Aero Glass was a defining visual element of Windows Vista and Windows 7, offering a contemporary look with its translucent design and reflections. However, this aesthetic placed a strain on system resources, particularly affecting performance on lower-end computers. With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft opted for a flatter, simplified design that improved efficiency.
Windows 10 partially reconceived the visual style with the Fluent Design System, reintroducing subtle transparency effects while maintaining a focus on performance. Windows 11 further advances this with rounded corners and soft shadows, enhancing aesthetics without the resource-intensive demands of Aero.
Windows Photo Viewer Replaced by the Photos App
Quick and Simple Viewing
Windows Photo Viewer was favored for its responsiveness and user-friendly design, loading images nearly instantaneously on double-clicks. However, with the shift to Windows 10, Microsoft’s Photos app took center stage as the default image viewer. This software provides more comprehensive features, including basic editing tools, automatic organization, and integration capabilities with other Microsoft services.
The downside has been the Photos app’s slower performance; many users, including myself, notice longer loading times and occasional blurry previews. Although recent updates have improved its functionality, Windows Photo Viewer remains the faster option for basic viewing tasks.
Despite this transition, Windows Photo Viewer isn’t entirely obsolete; in cases where users upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1, it might still be accessible through registry tweaks. However, for clean installations of Windows 10 and 11, it’s mostly hidden, with Photos being the preferred choice for everyday viewing and light editing.
A Future of Uncertainty
The continual transformation of Windows emphasizes that when features leave, they are invariably replaced. While some users may view the changes as advancements, others might feel a sense of loss, yet each alteration reflects Microsoft’s evolving vision of computing. The takeaway is that Windows is always a work in progress; the current version is just a phase in a larger journey.
Who knows? By the time you read this, Microsoft Edge could already have been succeeded by yet another innovative application, possibly called Microsoft Explorer.
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