Microsoft has officially released the shipping version of the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2), marking this year’s major feature update. But with the new version comes the removal of several familiar features and apps from your PC. As Microsoft rolls out the 24H2 update, expect to say goodbye to legacy applications such as Windows Mixed Reality, Tips, and WordPad.
Microsoft had signaled some of these removals earlier, but many may still be caught off guard. Fortunately, there are alternatives available. Microsoft will gradually roll out the update over the next few weeks, giving users time to transition away from these features.
The company has released a list of deprecated features, which typically targets legacy tools that have been outpaced by newer technologies. Some removals, like Cortana, are already in effect, as Cortana has been disabled as a Windows feature, although its functionality persists in apps like Outlook Mobile and Microsoft Teams.
Notably, the Windows Mixed Reality platform, once a flagship virtual reality solution, will also disappear with this update. For those still using it, Microsoft has clarified that users who wish to continue accessing apps through Steam should avoid updating to Windows 11 24H2, as support will end in November 2026.
WordPad’s removal might also disappoint users who relied on it for rich text editing. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Word for documents or Windows Editor for simple text files as a replacement. WordPad will be fully removed starting with Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025.