The Motivations Behind Microsoft’s Decision

What truly angers many is not just the removal of WordPad, but the underlying reasoning behind this decision, which reflects Microsoft's ongoing approach to consumer choice over the past decade.

WordPad has long served as an ideal document editor for web writing. It meets the basic needs of daily writers without overwhelming them with features they don't require. However, it lacks advanced formatting options and does not support markdown, making it a straightforward tool for users who prefer simplicity.

Microsoft has not provided a clear rationale for the discontinuation of WordPad. Some speculate that the company believes it has become obsolete, but this has not been officially stated. The only comment from Microsoft was:

> "WordPad is no longer being updated and will be removed in a future release of Windows. We suggest using Microsoft Word for rich text documents (.doc or .rtf) and Windows Notepad for plain text documents (.txt)."

This statement is particularly disingenuous for those who write professionally. By equating WordPad with Notepad, Microsoft ignores the fundamental differences between a basic document editor and a text editor designed for coding. This attempt to position Notepad as a viable alternative is misleading, as it cannot fulfill the needs of users accustomed to WordPad.

On the other hand, Microsoft Word is a complex and resource-heavy application that exceeds what most users require for straightforward writing tasks. For many, using Word for anything less than extensive reports feels excessive.

It's evident that Microsoft hopes users, unable to turn to WordPad, will either purchase Word or, ideally, subscribe to Microsoft 365, which includes various Office applications. The pricing structure encourages subscriptions over one-time purchases, making it likely that most consumers will opt for the latter.

Ultimately, the removal of WordPad seems designed to push users toward costly software solutions that they may not truly need. At just 3MB, WordPad offered unique functionality that no other built-in Windows application can replicate. Its discontinuation feels like a calculated move by Microsoft to create new profit opportunities by eliminating a once-free tool.

Exploring Alternatives to WordPad

As I began searching for a suitable alternative to WordPad—considering Microsoft might remove the executable file from current systems—I discovered that lightweight writing applications are surprisingly scarce.

While there are free office suites like Open Office and Libre Office, they still offer more features than necessary for simple writing tasks. Google Docs and MS Word Online are options, but they rely on cloud storage, which doesn’t suit everyone. Numerous distraction-free writing apps exist, but they come with their own limitations.

For those who wish to retain WordPad on their Windows 10 or 11 machines, a backup of the program is essential. Simply copying the Wordpad.exe file may not suffice, as additional files like WordPadFilter.dll are necessary for proper functionality.

Fortunately, Corbin Davenport has provided a straightforward guide and a zip file containing the 64-bit version of WordPad and its accompanying files. Users can run the executable from this directory, preserving access to a program that many find invaluable.

It’s disheartening that loyal WordPad users must resort to such measures to maintain access to a straightforward writing tool. If anyone should feel shame, it’s Microsoft, for prioritizing profit over user satisfaction in this instance.