Windows 11 — here’s all the features Microsoft just killed

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Some familiar Windows 10 features are being dropped in Windows 11

windows 11 widgets
(Image credit: Microsoft)

We’ve gotten our first official look at Windows 11, and while most of the chatter following Microsoft’s grand unveiling has centered around the new additions, some familiar features will fall by the wayside when the software upgrade arrives later this yer.

Some key Windows 10 features will be removed or replaced in Windows 11, and that could affect the way you interact with your PC on a daily basis. Here’s a closer look at the major omissions and feature casualties coming with the Windows 11 launch.

Dropped in Windows 11: Live Tiles

Windows features killed in Windows 11

Live Tiles won't make the transition to Windows 11 (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Live Tiles are leaving. Introduced with Windows 8 and ultimately integrated within the Start menu, Live Tiles get replaced in Windows 11 with a grid of app icons The new widgets feed Microsoft has introduced also serves as a Live Tiles replacement. 

Any pinned apps or sites you currently have in Windows 10 will not migrate into Windows 11 when upgrading, so keep that in mind.

Reduced role in Windows 11: Cortana

Windows features killed in Windows 11

Adios, Cortana (Image credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock)

Cortana, Microsoft’s Halo-inspired voice assistant, won’t be Windows 11’s leading lady. The voice assistant won’t be pinned to the taskbar or present in the setup process, which are major changes from Windows 10.

Replaced in Windows 11: Tablet mode

Windows features killed in Windows 11

Windows 11 features greater support for touch devices. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Tablet mode won’t be included in Windows 11, but that’s because Microsoft has included automatic adaptability for tablets and touch devices. Instead, Windows 11 will automatically increase touch targets and adjust the interface for touch commands.

Missing from Windows 11: Various Microsoft apps

Windows features killed in Windows 11

Teams takes a more prominent role in Windows 11, pushing aside Skype. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Skype, OneNote, Paint 3D, and 3D Viewer will no longer be included in clean, new Windows 11 installs, although you can still download them from the Microsoft Store. If you are upgrading from Windows 10, they won’t be removed. 

Skype, in particular, will have a reduced role in Windows 11. The app will take a backseat to Microsoft Teams, which Microsoft is integrating into its updated OS.

Limited in Windows 11: Windows S

Windows S, the streamlined, feature-limited mode that only allows use of apps from the Microsoft Store, will only be available in the Windows 11 Home release.

Other Windows 11 changes

The taskbar can only be used at the bottom of the screen: you can’t pin it to other sides of the screen in Windows 11.

Internet Explorer will not be included in Windows 11. Microsoft is officially retiring the long-running internet browser in June 2022, and will include its rebuilt Edge browser instead.

To that end, it sounds like most of the removed features are being replaced with refined alternatives (or improved integration), while any apps being depreciated or removed from clean installs will still be available if you want them.

Read Microsoft’s official list for a few of the other small tweaks and feature removals coming with Windows 11, and be sure to scope out our Windows 11 launch coverage for the full scoop on what’s coming with the new upgrade.

Andrew Hayward
Andrew Hayward

Andrew Hayward is a freelance writer for Tom’s Guide who contributes laptop and other hardware reviews. He’s also the Culture Editor at crypto publication Decrypt covering the world of Web3. Andrew’s writing on games and tech has been published in more than 100 publications since 2006, including Rolling Stone, Vice, Polygon, Playboy, Stuff, and GamesRadar.