Windows has a lot of beloved built-in apps that are hard to stop using. But Microsoft is always looking to replace them, often with something much better.
Windows has a lot of beloved built-in apps that are hard to stop using. But Microsoft is always looking to replace them, often with something much better. It's time to let go of these old apps and replace them with modern equivalents.
7. Windows Media Player Legacy
If you've been a Windows user since before Windows 11 , you're probably familiar with Windows Media Player. It's been the go-to media experience for decades, with its iconic visuals, customizable interface, and disc burning capabilities. But now that it's been replaced by Media Player, the old version is known as Windows Media Player Legacy.
6. Sticky Notes
The original Sticky Notes was the ultimate productivity tool, offering a quick and easy way to jot down thoughts and reminders. The reason many of us loved it was because it offered a stress-free note-taking experience, and its design was reminiscent of physical sticky notes. It was an app that needed no improvement, but Microsoft has found a way to shake things up with the (new) Sticky Notes.
5. Control Panel
When was the last time you opened the Control Panel and used it for anything? Before Windows 8, it was a great way to tweak settings and options and customize Windows. But even then, it felt unintuitive and difficult to use (it was easy to get lost in the Control Panel), which is why it's nice to see that the Control Panel has largely been replaced by the more user-friendly Settings app.
4. Character Map
Character Map is an old Windows utility for inserting special characters, symbols, and letters into documents and applications. Just looking at the interface is enough to see how outdated it is. The modern way to access special characters on Windows is to use the emoji keyboard (Win + Period) or via the touch keyboard.
3. Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a great way to free up disk space on Windows by deleting temporary files and other unnecessary items that accumulate over time. But now, this feature is obsolete thanks to Storage Sense .
2. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
There's a reason this tool is called Backup and Restore (Windows 7) - it hasn't been updated since. It's in the Control Panel - another tool Microsoft wants to get rid of. Microsoft wants you to use modern backup methods like Windows Backup and File History .
1. Old troubleshooters
Windows has a lot of troubleshooters for problems with sound, video playback, Bluetooth, camera, etc. However, when you try to run them by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters . They will open the Get Help app. This gives you access to a variety of troubleshooting guides, as well as community support and a virtual assistant.