Microsoft once offered a suite of beloved Windows apps, a significant number of which have been discontinued over the years. These apps left a lasting impact on users who grew up with them.
End of Microsoft Works
Released in 1987, Microsoft Works was a productivity suite designed for home and small business users. It featured a word processor, spreadsheet, and database, using proprietary formats such as WPS and XLR. Works ceased in 2009, succeeded by Office 2010 Starter Edition.
The departure of Works marked a shift towards more comprehensive suites like Microsoft Office, which now dominates the productivity software market.
The Rise and Fall of MSN Messenger
Launched in 1999, MSN Messenger was a staple of online communication with its simple interface, custom statuses, and the iconic "nudge." After its rebranding to Windows Live Messenger in 2005, it was eventually shut down in 2013 in favor of Skype.
This transition signaled Microsoft's strategic shift to consolidating its communication tools under the more versatile Skype platform.
Other Notable Discontinued Apps
- Microsoft Encarta: A multimedia encyclopedia available from 1993 to 2009, rendered obsolete by Wikipedia.
- Windows Movie Maker: A beginner's video editing tool, discontinued in 2017 as Microsoft focused on Photos app enhancements.
- Windows Media Center: A media hub available from 2002 until its 2015 removal from Windows 10 due to declining demand.
- Windows Live Photo Gallery: Offered organizing and editing tools, retired in 2017 alongside Windows Essentials.
Each of these applications held a specific niche in the tech landscape during their time. Despite their discontinuation, their legacy continues to inspire improvements in current software offerings.
