Microsoft has tossed a Windows 11 help feature on the scrapheap – probably because of Copilot
The 23H2 update for Windows 11 was recently released, and while that annual upgrade obviously adds features, Microsoft also dropped some.
PhantomOfEarth took notice of this, noting that Microsoft just added the latest round of cuts to its list outdated features for Windows 11, and post to X (formerly Twitter) to let us know.
The Windows Tips app is outdated and will eventually be removed. https://t.co/qK6s2icEHN pic.twitter.com/cJph6HBm0oNovember 7, 2023
The big move here – and the only one that will impact consumers (the others are business-related) – is the deprecation of the Tips app in Windows 11.
This means that Tips will remain in Windows 11 for the time being, but in stasis, without further development – and that it will be removed in a future update to the operating system.
Microsoft does note that in this case the app will continue to receive (minor) updates with information about new Windows functions.
The Tips app provides help for Windows 11 users in customizing the interface, as well as providing useful keyboard shortcuts and other tips, and highlighting new features that have arrived in the operating system.
PhantomOfEarth also recently tweeted about another interesting change for Windows 11, namely the ability to create custom commands for the Voice Access feature. This is still a long way off as it isn’t even live during testing, but hidden in the background. Still, it would be an excellent addition in terms of accessibility.
Hidden in 23580: the ability to create your own custom voice access commands! (function VACCS)vivetool /enable /id:40501685 pic.twitter.com/JvgXV2mMFpNovember 1, 2023
Analysis: Paving the way for Copilot?
It’s likely that with the next major update to Windows 11 – which could perhaps make it Windows 12 later next year – the Tips app will get the ax and be removed entirely.
To be honest, this app isn’t the best resource anyway, but for those new to Windows it can still be useful. That said, we’re betting there’s a reason it’s being dumped now – namely Copilot.
Consider that in a year’s time, a fully developed Copilot AI – which will undoubtedly be significantly strengthened during 2024 – will be able to competently perform all auxiliary tasks. We can imagine that this is the plan anyway.
Microsoft seems to be cleaning up Windows 11 lately, as we recently saw the Windows Maps and Movies & TV applications being removed from the default installations of the operating system.