A chapter in computing history closes: Microsoft has announced that WordPad, the word processor that has been a mainstay in the Windows ecosystem for nearly 30 years, will no longer receive updates and will be removed in future versions of the operating system.
History of WordPad
First released with Windows 95, WordPad offered a middle ground between the very basic Notepad and the more advanced Microsoft Word. Over the years the program has received minor updates, but its essence has remained constant: a simple text editor but more capable than Notepad.
The Microsoft Announcement
Microsoft has been brief on details about the withdrawal of WordPad. No exact date or specific reasons have been provided for this decision, leaving users and the tech community in a state of uncertainty.
Impact on Users
For those who have used WordPad for simple text editing tasks, this announcement raises the need to look for alternatives. Microsoft suggests Microsoft Word for more complex documents and Notepad for plain text files.
WordPad vs Microsoft Word
In the context of the announced retirement of WordPad, it’s crucial to understand how this tool compares to Microsoft Word, Microsoft’s most robust word processor. Both applications are for editing text, but their capabilities and limitations offer very different user experiences.
Features and Limitations
WordPad has long been a free, pre-installed option on Windows versions. It offers basic functionalities such as text editing, image import, and support for formats such as .DOCand .RTF. However, it lacks advanced features like spell check, complex formatting options, and the ability to add elements like tables and graphs.
On the other hand, Microsoft Word is a much more complete tool. It not only allows for advanced text editing, but also offers features such as real-time collaborative editing, a wide range of formatting and template options, and the ability to run macros and other scriptable elements.
Usage Scenarios
WordPad has been especially useful for users who don’t require all the bells and whistles of a more advanced word processor. It is a suitable tool for tasks such as writing simple documents, taking quick notes or editing plain text files.
Microsoft Word, on the other hand, is more suitable for professional and academic environments where more detailed control of the format, structure and layout of the document is required. It is also the preferred choice for collaborative editing and using more advanced features such as change tracking and document review.
Accessibility and Cost
While WordPad comes pre-installed and is free, Microsoft Word generally requires a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time purchase. This cost factor can be a deal breaker for users with limited budgets or without consistent Internet access to use online alternatives.
The Future without WordPad
The removal of WordPad marks a change in how users will interact with text documents in Windows. With the availability of online alternatives like Google Docs, the need for an intermediate text editor could be decreasing, which could have influenced Microsoft’s decision.
