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3 Alternatives to WordPad on Windows
WordPad went for years without an update, leaving its users deprived of new features that Microsoft introduced to its other text editor applications over the years. After years of no news, Microsoft finally confirmed the worst-case scenario and stated that it would no longer support WordPad.
If you're a big fan of the ancient word-processing app, here's what's happening to it alongside the best WordPad alternatives you can migrate to.
When Did Microsoft Axe Support for WordPad?
On September 2023, Microsoft announced on Microsoft Learn that WordPad will no longer be part of future Windows releases. The announcement was made prior to the release of Windows 11 23H2, meaning that it and any future updates wouldn't contain WordPad.
The software giant did not go into detail as to whether WordPad will still appear as an app on the Microsoft Store in the future. But even if Microsoft does bring WordPad to the Microsoft Store for Windows users, now is a good time to find a new app.
Using software that hasn't been updated for a long time poses a risk to your system, as it's easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities of outdated apps. And since WordPad will no longer receive updates from Microsoft, you should stop using it immediately and look elsewhere.
There are plenty of alternatives that are better than WordPad, some of which are from Microsoft, which you can use as a replacement.
The Best Alternatives to WordPad on Windows
: Microsoft To Remove WordPad After Nearly 30 Years (unbranded - Newsworthy)
If you like a simple word processor app, here are a few alternatives you can use instead of WordPad.
1. Microsoft Word and Notepad
Microsoft recommends that you switch to either Microsoft Word or Notepad Word is best for rich text documents like DOC and RTF files, and Notepad is more suited for plain text documents like TXT files.
While Notepad is free to use, you can't use all the features of Microsoft Word without buying a Microsoft 365 subscription. Fortunately, there are ways to get cheap Microsoft Office and Word licenses so you don't need to break the bank.
2. Google Docs
If you don't like what Microsoft has to offer, you can look elsewhere too. For example, Google Docs is a web-based word processor that can replace WordPad and offer you access to many useful features such as collaborating with others in real-time, and more.
Since it's web-based, you can access your Google Docs files on any device that can run a web browser.
3. LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is another free word-processing tool that can replace WordPad. It lets you create both basic and complex documents. From creating letters, and memos to writing a complete book, LibreOffice Writer has you covered. And just like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, you can also use LibreOffice in your browser.
Time to Move On From WordPad
Microsoft is no longer supporting WordPad, and while there are ways to ensure it doesn't leave, there's not much of a reason to jump through the hoops. Try an alternative app instead and continue working away without WordPad.