Windows Is Deprecating Microsoft Publisher
The decision to deprecate certain Windows apps has sparked various opinions within the tech community. While some users might feel inconvenienced by these changes, compelling reasons exist to support this strategy as a positive step towards innovation and efficiency.
Recently, we have lost:
- WordPad
- Cortana
- Windows Mixed Reality
- Steps Recorder
- 32-bit ARM App Support
- Windows Tips App
- Windows Mail
- Skype
- Mail App
- Publisher
One of the early deprecated apps, Outlook Express, hit me the hardest because it was my go-to email client at the time. So, I can understand the loss of any of the above-listed apps being a pain if you were reliant on them. When investigating the reasons for the change, Microsoft said it lacked security enhancements, while Windows Mail and the Mail app introduced in Windows 8 included improved functionality and integration with newer email protocols.
Why Deprecating Apps Is A Necessary Evil
While many of us are inconvenienced by the loss of a frequently used app, it is often (not always) replaced by a better app. Many of us might get upset by the inconvenience, I sure did with the loss of Outlook Express. When you think about it, deprecating applications should be expected. It is done by every major software company and even open-source applications.
No doubt, the most compelling reasons for deprecating an application are Redundancy, Security, Modernization, Feature Enhancements, and Future Proofing.
Redundancy
WordPad existed alongside Notepad and Word. At least one had to go, WordPad was it. Since its loss, Word has been offered as a free “online” alternative if you are looking for “rich text formatting”. The online version is not only free but also offers much more than WordPad ever did. Pretty much everything Word 2021 or Microsoft Office 365 offers. Redundancy is the reason for the demise of Publisher in October 2026. Its features are duplicated in Word, PowerPoint, and Designer. Each of these apps can create flyers, brochures, and publications.
Notepad, on the other hand, had a large tech following because it offered better encoding options as it supports modern file encoding standards like UTF-8 without a Byte Order Mark. Its contents could be directly used in an encoding environment, unlike WordPad.
Security
Several apps have been phased out due to security concerns. Adobe Flash Player was deprecated in 2020 due to frequent security vulnerabilities and the rise of HTML5.
Java Applets, deprecated because of significant security risks. Internet Explorer was officially retired in 2022 because it lacked modern security features. Windows Live Mail was discontinued due to outdated security protocols. If any of these applications were your favorite, each has been replaced by applications with improved functionality and security.
Feature Enhancements and Future Proofing
Some applications have been replaced to ensure their replacements remain relevant and adaptable to future technologies. Groove Music, Windows Mail, and Windows Media Center have all been phased out.
Other Software Manufacturers
Apple: iTunes and iPhoto, iWeb, and Dashboard are a few of Apple’s applications that have been replaced.
Google: Picasa, Google Reader, Google, and Google Play Music have all been deprecated and replaced by superior apps.
Apache: Cordova, Bloodhound, and ODE have retired.
LibreOffice: version 7.x retired for security reasons, LibreOffice 25.2 lost support for Windows 7 and 8.
Summary
There is no guarantee that any existing application will be here in the future. I am sure that several more will go the way of Publisher, Windows XP, Windows 7, Classic Mac OS, Apple SOS, and Lisa OS.
All of these are retired applications, and those that are sure to follow are deprecated, retired, or replaced so that software companies can focus on modernizing their platforms and ensure their replacements will be relevant. If you have several Publisher files and are afraid of losing important projects, Microsoft recommends converting them to PDFs or DOCX files. I also recommend using a program like Zamzar to convert .pub files into a format compatible with OpenOffice and LibreOffice.
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