• Microsoft is removing several legacy features from Windows 11.
  • The most important features being removed or deprecated include IE browser, Timeline, classic Start menu, and wallpaper sync.
  • As a result of these changes, the Start menu will no longer resizable and the taskbar will only dock to the bottom of the screen.

Windows 11 is the most significant update of the past decade, expected to offer a lot of innovations, including a new UI design refresh with a centered Start menu, redesigned Settings and File Explorer apps, a bunch of multitasking and gaming improvements, native support for Android apps, and a lot more.

However, in addition to the new look, features, and enhancements for Windows 11, Microsoft will also remove and deprecate some features original to Windows 10 that may no longer be useful, obsolete, or planned to be replaced with a new experience.

In the new version of the operating system, the company plans to remove or deprecate features like Cortana, Internet Explorer, sync wallpapers across devices, S mode, classic Start menu, Tablet mode, Timeline, and others.

Features removed or deprecated in Windows 11

Once you upgrade to Windows 11 or get a device with the new operating system, these are some of the features that may be removed or deprecated:

  • Start menu: The class experience found on Windows 10 will be replaced with the new design. As a result, named groups and folders of apps are no longer supported, and the layout is not currently resizable. Pinned apps and sites will not migrate when upgrading from Windows 10. And Live Tiles are no longer available.
  • Taskbar: This feature is evolving, as a result, it will cause some changes. For example, My People will no longer present on the taskbar. Some icons may no longer appear in the System Tray (systray) for upgraded devices, including previous customizations. Alignment to the bottom of the screen is the only location allowed. And apps can no longer customize areas of the taskbar.
  • Timeline: Windows 11 will no longer include the feature to pick up where you left off on documents. However, some of the functionalities will be available on Microsoft Edge and the Start menu.
  • Cortana: The digital assistant will no longer be included in the first boot experience or pinned to the taskbar.
  • Desktop background: You will still be able to change the desktop wallpaper, but you can no longer sync them across devices when signed in with a Microsoft account.
  • Internet Explorer: The legacy browser will be disabled and replaced with Microsoft Edge.
  • Math Input Panel: This feature will be removed. Math Recognizer will install on demand and includes the math input control and recognizer.
  • News & Interests: The Widgets feature will replace the old experience.
  • Quick Status: The feature from the Lockscreen and associated settings are removed.
  • Windows in S Mode: This restricted mode is only available now for Windows 11 Home edition.
  • Snipping Tool: The app will continue to be available, but the old design and functionality have been replaced with those of the app previously known as Snip & Sketch.
  • Tablet Mode: This feature has been removed, and new functionality and capability are included for keyboard attach and detach postures.
  • Touch Keyboard: This feature will no longer dock and undock keyboard layouts on screen sizes 18 inches and larger.
  • Wallet: Windows 11 will be removed this feature.

In addition to the above features being removed or deprecated, the following apps will no longer be installed on new devices or after a clean installation of Windows 11. These apps include 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype.

As you can see, there are not a lot of features that the company is scrapping from Windows 11. However, the list points out some significant changes to the experience. For example, you will no longer be able to resize the Start menu or change the taskbar position since it will only be available at the bottom of the screen.