Windows 11 is finally here, and as you probably have heard, it is pretty amazing. A redesigned sleek desktop, new multitasking features, Android app integration, and much more await you in Windows 11.
Of course, we know what new features are being added to Microsoft’s latest operating system, but you must be wondering; what features from Windows 10 will get the axe? Today we will explore Windows 11 and compile all the features that are going to be removed.
1. Internet Explorer
Microsoft will finally remove the once titan Internet Explorer in Windows 11. Microsoft had earlier announced to end support for Internet Explorer on Windows 10 20H2 and later in 2022. However, if you are still using Windows 8/8.1, then you will be able to use Microsoft’s legacy browser.
We also witnessed the evolution of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, all the way from a sad replacement of the legacy Internet Explorer to outperforming Google Chrome on Windows 10; Edge has peaked remarkably. Although Windows 11 won’t officially include Internet Explorer as a separate browser, it will still be available as part of IE Mode within Microsoft Edge.
2. Cortana
Microsoft was never truly able to achieve the vision it had for Cortana, and with Windows 11, Microsoft will finally stop forcing Cortana onto its users. However, if you also do not want a repeat of the suffering experience of hearing Cortana’s pesky voice while installing Windows 11, then your prayers have been answered.
Windows 11 will no longer include Cortana in the first boot experience or pin the Cortana icon to the taskbar. However, it will still be available as a separate Windows app, with the same functionality as the Windows 10 Cortana app.
3. Tablet Mode
If you are a desktop user, then there’s a good chance that you have never even heard of Tablet Mode. However, when enabled on a Windows tablet, Tablet Mode would alter the Windows 10 user interface to be more tablet-friendly.
While tablet mode is officially obsolete on Windows 11, Microsoft has confirmed that it will include improved functionality and capability for keyboard-less touch devices on Windows 11.
4. Quick Status
On Windows 10, Quick Status allowed you to see upcoming notifications from selected apps straight to the lock screen. Unfortunately, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will no longer feature Quick Status. However, we expect the return of desktop widgets to Windows 11 to provide similar functionality as the removed Quick Status.
5. Adjustable Start Menu
The Start menu in Windows 10 is very dynamic and customizable. However, on Windows 11, this will not be the case (at least for now).
Microsoft has moved the Start menu to the center of your desktop in Windows 11, although you can reposition it. Furthermore, you cannot adjust the size of the Windows 11 Start menu, and currently, the only way to resize the taskbar is with a Windows Registry tweak.
But, you will still be able to pin apps and websites directly onto the Start menu.
Live Tiles
Moreover, Live Tiles are also becoming obsolete in the latest Windows 11 build; named groups and app folders have also been removed. Again widgets and other pinned apps are expected to take their place.
6. Changes To The Taskbar
Windows 11 features many changes to the overall user interface, and the redesigned taskbar is a significant upgrade. The taskbar can now only be positioned on the screen, and the People icon has also been removed. Individual apps can also no longer customize the taskbar, and some Windows 10 system tray icons will no longer appear in Windows 11.
7. Removed Default Apps
Microsoft has also announced that 3D viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype will no longer come pre-installed on Windows 11. Instead, these users can download these apps via the Store. These default apps will still be available to users who upgrade from Windows 10.
Removed Features on Windows 11
Windows 11 is finally here, and we can’t wait to use Microsoft’s latest operating system routinely. There’s still a lot we do not know about Windows 11, but we are excited to see how it will fare in the upcoming years.
Image Credits: Microsoft