Microsoft is known for regularly delivering new features for Windows 11 via updates. However, the company is also known for ruthlessly removing features it deems inadequate. If you’re missing a program or app after a Windows upgrade, don’t worry — additional software can help fill in the gaps. Let’s dig into nine replacements for Windows features that Microsoft has abandoned.
One feature that Microsoft is abandoning is WordPad, which is being labelled as obsolete. Microsoft recommends switching to Microsoft Word for a fee, but there are other alternatives available. Abiword, although no longer being developed for Windows, is available as a portable application. It can open and save all common document types, albeit sometimes with the loss of precise formatting. Focus Writer is another option for distraction-free writing, although it lacks some features like image insertion. Softmaker Free Office offers fast word processing and compatibility with Word and Libre Office formats.
As for Windows Mail, Microsoft is pushing users to switch to Outlook, which is essentially a front end for Outlook on the web. Users can choose to stick with the Mail and Calendar app for now, but the switch to Outlook is inevitable. For those who prefer to use standalone email clients, Thunderbird is a good option with many useful features.
When it comes to cleaning up Windows, Disk Cleanup is being phased out in favor of options under System > Storage in Settings. Cleanmgr+ is a replacement for Disk Cleanup that offers similar features. It allows users to delete unnecessary files and free up space on their PCs.
Uninstalling programs in Windows 11 can be a bit cumbersome, as the traditional Programs and Features option is no longer available. Revo Uninstaller provides a tidy window for selecting and uninstalling multiple programs efficiently. It is a good alternative to the built-in uninstallation options on Windows 11.
For users who miss the Windows To Go feature, Rufus is a tool that allows them to install Windows on a USB drive and boot from it. This can be a useful tool for creating portable Windows installations for various purposes.
In terms of the context menu, Windows 11 displays a simplified version by default. Tools like Winaero Tweaker, Context Menu Manager, and Context Menu Custom can help users customize and expand the context menu to their liking.
For users who need to access online content via the WebDAV protocol, Cyberduck and Mountain Duck are good alternatives to the built-in Windows functionality. These programs allow users to access online storage services and manage files effectively.
Finally, for backup and data management, Hasleo Backup Suite and Duplicati offer reliable options for backing up important files and folders. These tools support various backup destinations and provide incremental backup options for efficient data management.
Overall, while Microsoft may be phasing out certain features in Windows, there are plenty of alternatives available to help users fill the gaps and enhance their Windows experience. By exploring these replacement options, users can find the tools that best suit their needs and preferences.
