Microsoft’s OS has been quietly slimming down: a clutch of once-promising Windows features have been deprecated or removed over the past few years, and a number of little-known tools that almost nobody used are now gone for good—some by stealth, others with a public notice. The tidy list that follows takes the MakeUseOf roundup as its starting point and then verifies and expands on each claim against Microsoft’s own documentation and independent reporting to show precisely what was removed, when, and why.
Windows has always been a living platform: features are added, reshaped, and sometimes retired. Lately that churn has accelerated as Microsoft pursues a cloud-first, Copilot-driven strategy and tightens security baselines. The result is what you’d expect: low-use features get cut, legacy APIs get deprecated for security reasons, and in-box apps are increasingly replaced by web or AI-driven experiences.
This isn’t just cosmetic housekeeping. Some removals are user-facing (apps and UI elements), while others affect developers and IT (APIs, protocols, and services). For Windows users and administrators, the difference matters: removal of an app is usually trivial to work around; removal of a protocol or API can require retooling, updates, or policy changes.
Below is a detailed look at seven Windows features highlighted in the MakeUseOf piece—what they were, why they failed to stick, when Microsoft retired them, and what users and IT pros should do next. Each section cross-references official Microsoft documentation and independent reporting so readers can verify dates and technical details.
The broader lesson is simple: Windows is now a service as much as a product. Features can arrive and depart more rapidly than in the past, and staying ahead means actively monitoring deprecation notices, exporting any data you depend on, and being prepared to migrate to modern alternatives. Microsoft publishes explicit deprecation calendars and technical guidance; those pages are the single best place to validate timelines and technical recommendations. (learn.microsoft.com)
If you encountered any of the seven features in your day-to-day workflow, now is the time to evaluate the recommended replacements and archive any unique data the retiring features still hold. The features that “you probably never used” were mostly minor conveniences—but for the small number of users who relied on them, Microsoft’s removal decisions are anything but trivial.
Source: MakeUseOf You probably never used these 7 Windows features—but they’re gone for good now
Background
Windows has always been a living platform: features are added, reshaped, and sometimes retired. Lately that churn has accelerated as Microsoft pursues a cloud-first, Copilot-driven strategy and tightens security baselines. The result is what you’d expect: low-use features get cut, legacy APIs get deprecated for security reasons, and in-box apps are increasingly replaced by web or AI-driven experiences.This isn’t just cosmetic housekeeping. Some removals are user-facing (apps and UI elements), while others affect developers and IT (APIs, protocols, and services). For Windows users and administrators, the difference matters: removal of an app is usually trivial to work around; removal of a protocol or API can require retooling, updates, or policy changes.
Below is a detailed look at seven Windows features highlighted in the MakeUseOf piece—what they were, why they failed to stick, when Microsoft retired them, and what users and IT pros should do next. Each section cross-references official Microsoft documentation and independent reporting so readers can verify dates and technical details.
Why Microsoft is pruning Windows now
Microsoft’s recent removals cluster around three themes:- Low usage meets maintenance cost. If few users rely on a feature, continuing to update, test, and secure it becomes harder to justify.
- Security hardening and standards alignment. Legacy protocols and weak cryptographic defaults are being deprecated in order to meet modern security requirements.
- Strategic consolidation toward cloud and AI. Microsoft is moving experiences into web services (Bing, Azure Maps) or replacing static help with Copilot-driven assistance.
Live Tiles — the animated Start menu squares (Gone)
What they were
Live Tiles were introduced as a core UI idea in Windows 8 and remained in Windows 10’s Start menu: app tiles that surfaced dynamic content (weather, mail previews, calendar items) without opening the app. The feature sought to blend app icons and glanceable widgets in one place.Why they disappeared
The Start menu redesign in Windows 11 removed Live Tiles in favor of a simplified pinned-tiles model and a separate Widgets surface. Microsoft judged Live Tiles to be inconsistent, occasionally resource-heavy, and confusing for users who preferred direct app launches or pinned taskbar shortcuts. Independent reporting and insider notes confirm Live Tiles are no longer available in Windows 11’s Start experience. (pcgamer.com, digitaltrends.com)The reality for users
If you upgraded from Windows 10 and liked Live Tiles, Windows 11’s approach will feel more static. Third-party tools and registry tweaks can recreate a “classic” Start, and Microsoft has experimented with new “Start Menu Companions” in Insiders builds that echo live content—suggesting Microsoft is trying to offer a less obtrusive alternative in the Start shell. (digitaltrends.com, groovypost.com)Timeline — activity history and cross-device pick-up (Evolved then retired)
What it was
Timeline (introduced in Windows 10, 2018) tracked recent activities—documents, websites, app sessions—and attempted cross-device continuity by syncing activity history across devices so you could “pick up where you left off.”Why it never stuck
Timeline relied on ecosystem integration (Cortana, Edge, Microsoft Launcher) to make cross-device continuity useful. Adoption was limited and the feed could become noisy. Microsoft removed Timeline’s cloud sync for consumer Microsoft Accounts in 2021 and later retired the user experience in Windows 11, leaving a local-only activity history on Windows 10 devices. (learn.microsoft.com, theverge.com)The technical and user implications
- Users who relied on cross-device syncing needed to migrate workflows to OneDrive, Microsoft 365’s “Recent files,” or browser sync.
- For enterprises, Microsoft retained cross-device support timelines under different account types for a while, but the broad consumer sync story ended in 2021–2024 as the company centralized continuity around other services. (learn.microsoft.com, windowslatest.com)
My People — pinned contacts on the taskbar (Deprecated, quietly removed)
What it was
My People placed up to three pinned contacts on the taskbar for fast messaging and content sharing through Microsoft’s built-in apps (Mail, Skype, People).Why it failed
Third-party developer integration never materialized at scale; even Microsoft’s own messaging services did not fully embrace it. Low developer uptake and limited user adoption made My People an obvious candidate for deprecation back in 2019. Microsoft marked it as “no longer being developed” in the Windows 10 November 2019 update, and it has since disappeared from default experiences and later Windows builds. (learn.microsoft.com, ghacks.net)Practical takeaway
If you used My People, modern replacements are plentiful: Teams, Slack, WhatsApp, and native phone-bridging apps (Your Phone / Phone Link) provide richer cross-device messaging and presence features.Cortana — Microsoft’s assistant pivot (Sunset and replatforming)
The rise and fall
Cortana launched as Microsoft’s digital assistant in Windows 10 and initially offered reminders, location-based tasks, and taskbar integration. Over time Microsoft scaled back features and removed many capabilities.Official end-of-support and replacements
Cortana’s voice assistant as a standalone app was retired in the spring of 2023; additional Cortana integrations across Outlook Mobile and Teams were retired through late 2023 and into 2024. Microsoft now positions Voice Access, Microsoft Copilot, and Bing Chat as the modern ways to surface assistance, automation, and conversational help on Windows and in Microsoft services. Microsoft’s support notices and vendor guidance spell out the retirement timeline. (support.microsoft.com, lifewire.com)Why it matters
- The Cortana story is a textbook product pivot: Microsoft invested in assistant tech but eventually redirected resources to a broader AI strategy (Copilot).
- Users needing voice control should evaluate Voice Access (Windows 11) and accessibility features; those wanting AI task help should look at Copilot and the Microsoft 365 AI integrations.
Windows Mixed Reality — consumer VR support pulled (Deprecation confirmed)
What was deprecated
Windows Mixed Reality (WMR)—the platform and Mixed Reality Portal app Microsoft included to support a range of PC-based AR/VR headsets—was deprecated in December 2023 and formally removed in Windows 11 version 24H2. Microsoft documented that existing WMR devices will continue to work with Steam through November 2026 if you remain on Windows 11 version 23H2; after that date, WMR will no longer receive updates or support. (learn.microsoft.com)Why Microsoft pulled the plug
Consumer VR adoption for WMR hardware lagged behind other platforms (Meta Quest/SteamVR), hardware sales were low, and developer support dried up. Microsoft shifted its mixed-reality emphasis toward enterprise HoloLens and cloud/edge services rather than consumer PC VR.Developer and user fallout
- Owners of WMR headsets were given a clear timeline: they can continue to use those devices with Steam while on older Windows 11 releases until November 2026; beyond that, functionality and security updates stop.
- A notable community response has been third-party efforts to revive hardware support—recent community and Microsoft engineer projects have produced workarounds to keep certain headsets functional with SteamVR—but these are community-driven, not official patches. (windowscentral.com, theverge.com)
Tips — the in-box help hub (Deprecated)
What it did
Tips shipped as a preloaded Windows app showing tutorials, short how-tos, and video guides for Windows features.Why Microsoft deprecated it
With Microsoft’s pivot to Copilot and other online help surfaces, the Tips app was reclassified as low-use inbox software and marked deprecated. Microsoft’s documentation placed Tips on the deprecated list in November 2023 and indicated it would be removed in a future release. (learn.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)Alternatives
The Windows “Get Help” app, Copilot, and online documentation/Bing-based help are Microsoft’s recommended alternatives for new users who need contextual guidance.Maps — offline-capable mapping app (Deprecation and removal timeline)
What Maps offered
Windows Maps was a full-featured app for desktop turn-by-turn navigation, offline map downloads, and 3D city renderings—basically a built-in maps client for Windows.Official deprecation timeline
Microsoft’s documentation states that Maps is deprecated and will be removed from the Microsoft Store by July 2025. The company warned there would be a final update from the Store that renders the app nonfunctional and that after July 2025 the app will no longer be reinstallable from the Store. Microsoft also notes that Maps stopped being preinstalled starting with Windows 11 version 24H2 and recommends Bing Maps for web-based mapping. (learn.microsoft.com, howtogeek.com)Practical implications
- Any personal data saved in the Maps client (like saved places) will not be deleted by Microsoft but will no longer function inside the app after the final update.
- Users who rely on a desktop mapping app should plan alternatives: Bing Maps (web), Google Maps (web), or third-party apps with desktop support.
What to do if you relied on any of these features
If you find an essential feature retired or removed, treat the situation like a small migration project. Steps to follow:- Inventory: Identify whether you or your organization relied on the feature (users, scripts, integrations).
- Map replacements: For each retired feature, list the Microsoft-recommended alternative (Copilot, Bing Maps, Voice Access, OneDrive/Office for recent files) or acceptable third-party replacement.
- Migrate or reconfigure: Move data where possible (e.g., export saved locations from Maps or copy critical files out of Timeline-like stores).
- Test and deploy: In enterprise contexts, validate replacements in a pilot group before broad rollout.
- Lock down legacy dependencies: For deprecated protocols and APIs (e.g., short RSA keys, older protocols), schedule upgrades and security testing.
- If you used Timeline’s cross-device sync, rely on OneDrive/Office “Recent” and Edge tab sync; export locally stored items you need to preserve. (learn.microsoft.com)
- If you maintained Windows Mixed Reality hardware in a lab, keep at least one device on Windows 11 version 23H2 until November 2026, and plan to transition to SteamVR-supported headsets or rely on community drivers where appropriate. (learn.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)
Risks and secondary effects
- Enterprise exposure: Deprecating protocols and APIs (not covered in depth here but present on Microsoft’s lists) can force enterprise migrations that are costly and time-consuming. IT teams must track Microsoft’s deprecated-features pages to avoid surprises. (learn.microsoft.com)
- User friction: Desktop users who discovered features like Live Tiles or Timeline late will feel the loss; Microsoft’s on-device telemetry and usage metrics likely informed these cuts, but that data is not public.
- Hardware orphaning: When a platform (WMR) is deprecated, hardware lifecycles are shortened—owners face unsupported devices and rely on community maintenance or third-party drivers.
- Policy and compliance: Removing older crypto/cipher support is good security practice, but it may break legacy systems if organizations haven’t upgraded TLS/RSA key lengths.
Strengths of Microsoft’s approach—and notable downsides
Strengths
- Security-first deprecations reduce attack surfaces and encourage modern cryptographic standards.
- Consolidation around cloud and AI gives Microsoft a single, more maintainable direction for help and continuity (Copilot, Bing Maps, Azure Maps).
- Clear timelines (for several features) allow IT teams and power users to plan ahead—Microsoft’s deprecation and removal pages are the canonical authorities. (learn.microsoft.com)
Downsides
- Communication gaps and subtle removals: Some users discover changes only after upgrading; Microsoft sometimes leaves features present but unsupported, which can create brittle experiences.
- Community backlash and lost heritage: Tools with niche but passionate followings (Live Tiles fans, WordPad loyalists) see functionality removed even when third-party solutions could preserve workflows.
- Hardware / peripheral impacts: Platforms tied to hardware (WMR) can be orphaned quickly once official support is dropped—this has real cost for buyers.
Short, practical checklist for power users and admins
- Back up any app-specific data (Maps saved locations, Timeline artifacts).
- Review Microsoft’s deprecated and removed features pages monthly and subscribe to Windows for IT announcements. (learn.microsoft.com)
- For Windows Mixed Reality owners: maintain one machine on Windows 11 version 23H2 if you need guaranteed Steam support through November 2026; otherwise plan for hardware refresh or community driver options. (learn.microsoft.com, theverge.com)
- Replace discontinued assistants and tips usage with Copilot, Voice Access, and official web documentation.
- If you run legacy enterprise services, audit cryptographic settings and authentication protocols now to avoid last-minute migrations.
Final analysis
Microsoft’s pruning of little-used Windows features is consistent with a platform strategy that favors scaleable, secure, and AI-first investments. For most users, the changes are incremental—Live Tiles and My People were convenience features with modest adoption. For a narrower set of consumers and some enterprise scenarios (Windows Mixed Reality, deprecated protocols), the changes are consequential and require planning.The broader lesson is simple: Windows is now a service as much as a product. Features can arrive and depart more rapidly than in the past, and staying ahead means actively monitoring deprecation notices, exporting any data you depend on, and being prepared to migrate to modern alternatives. Microsoft publishes explicit deprecation calendars and technical guidance; those pages are the single best place to validate timelines and technical recommendations. (learn.microsoft.com)
If you encountered any of the seven features in your day-to-day workflow, now is the time to evaluate the recommended replacements and archive any unique data the retiring features still hold. The features that “you probably never used” were mostly minor conveniences—but for the small number of users who relied on them, Microsoft’s removal decisions are anything but trivial.
Source: MakeUseOf You probably never used these 7 Windows features—but they’re gone for good now