10 Windows Features That No Longer Exist Nowadays

Windows has develop gradually a lot over the years. With each update, Microsoft removes old features and replaces them with modern alternatives.

If you ever wonder “What happened to Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player?”, this article is for you.


Why did Microsoft remove Internet Explorer, Alternatives to Windows Media Player in Windows

1. Farewell to Internet Explorer

For a period of last ten years, Internet Explorer was the most used intenet browser. But due to poor speed and weak security, it was discontinued in 2022 and replaced by Microsoft Edge.

2. WordPad Removed Forever

WordPad served millions of users as a basic text editor. In 2023, Microsoft officially removed it, suggesting users switch to Notepad or Microsoft Word.

3. Cortana Replaced by AI Copilot


Microsoft once tried to compete with Siri and Alexa through Cortana, but it failed to gain traction. Now Windows uses Copilot AI Assistant instead.

4. Windows Media Player Retired

From music to DVD burning, Windows Media Player was once a go to tool. Today, it is replaced with a modern Media Player available to Windows 11.

5. Aero Glass Design ➜ Fluent UI

The shiny transparent Aero Glass effect from Windows 7 is gone. It now lives on as a lighter version in Fluent Design.


6. Old Windows Photo Viewer Gone

The classic Photo Viewer was fast and minimal. Now it has been replaced with the Photos App, which offers basic editing tools.

7. Control Panel Slowly Replaced by Settings App

The classic Control Panel was once the main hub for all system settings. While it still exists in Windows 11, most options are gradually being moved to the Settings App, making Control Panel almost obsolete.

8. Live Tiles Removed from Start Menu

In Windows 8 and 10, Live Tiles showed dynamic updates like weather, emails, and news. However, Windows 11 removed Live Tiles completely, replacing them with a cleaner and more minimal Start Menu layout.

9. DVD Playback Support Discontinued

Older versions of Windows came with built-in DVD playback support via Windows Media Center. But Microsoft removed it starting from Windows 8, pushing users to third party apps like MX Player or VLC Player.

10. Desktop Gadgets Removed for Security Reasons

Remember those mini desktop gadgets like clock, calendar, or weather widgets from Windows Vista and 7? Microsoft removed them due to security risks, suggesting users switch to Live Tiles or Widgets in Windows 11 instead.


Here's The Conclusion:

Every removed feature tells a story of progress. While nostalgia hits hard, modern Windows is faster, smarter, and more secure. Thanks for reading Why did Microsoft remove some features like this on ShineMat.com tech blog. Stay well and have fun with new windows operating system.

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