Between now (beta) and the public (stable) release of Windows 11, expect a few feature additions and subtractions, but here's everything we know about what will be lost along the way.
Internet Explorer
What exactly is it? Didn't you think it was already dead? It's still available in Windows 10 if you look hard enough, but in Windows 11, all traces of Internet Explorer will be erased, and Microsoft Edge will take its place. Use the Internet Explorer mode in Edge for those really, very ancient legacy apps and sites you still require access to for whatever reason.
Cortana
Although Microsoft's virtual assistant will not be completely removed from Windows 11, it will be removed from the setup process and will no longer be pinned to the taskbar. It's unclear what Microsoft has planned for Cortana, but based on the capabilities introduced to it in the previous year or so, it could be rebranded as a business tool.
Skype
Skype will eventually be available in Windows 11, but it will not be included as an integrated component as it is in Windows 10. That's because Microsoft has shifted its focus to Teams as a solution for all of your communication requirements, including video, so expect a lot of solid Teams integrations in the final Windows 11 experience.
Quick Status
Applications in Windows 10 can leave little blocks of information on the lock screen to remind you of incoming emails, future calendar appointments, and so on. When Windows 11 ships, this feature, known as Quick Status, will be unavailable to programs, however widgets may be able to fill the gap.
Taskbar Location
In terms of eliminating customizations, the taskbar in Windows 11 can only be found at the bottom of the screen. You may not have recognized it, but Windows 10 allows you to move the taskbar to the left, right, or even to the top of the screen. You're out of luck if you enjoy tweaking with your operating system.
Tablet Mode
Although Windows 10 works well on tablets like the Surface Pro as well as a complete desktop and laptop computers, Windows 11 will not offer a specialized mode for tablet devices. Rather, this functionality will be redesigned, with part of it occurring automatically (like when you attach or detach a Bluetooth keyboard, for example).
Windows S Mode
This is another feature that isn't going away totally, although you'll see it less frequently: S Mode, which improves efficiency and security by only allowing programs from the official Microsoft Store to be installed, will only be available in Windows 11 Home version. S Mode is currently available for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.
Start Menu Groups
Another feature taken from the Start menu is the ability for users to group and name tiles in categories like productivity, writing, games, and so on. The Start menu's layout will also not be resizable, implying that Microsoft wants to make the Start menu experience the same for everyone (as well as moved it into the center of the screen).
Timeline
Perhaps you've never used Timeline, which is one of the reasons it's being taken out in Windows 11. The function allows you to sync your activity over the last 30 days across various Windows PCs (files you've opened, websites you've visited, and so on), making it quicker to switch between devices logged in with the same Microsoft account.
Live Tiles
The Live Tiles feature on the Windows 10 Start menu, which allows different pieces of information to be shown and updated in real-time, was not well appreciated by developers. You'd be correct if you thought that sounded a lot like widgets. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft will attempt to bring back desktop widgets, so let's hope they perform better than Live Tiles.
That's all for this post. Stay tuned to CERadar for more such content.
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