Windows 10 2004 lets you uninstall Paint, WordPad and NotePad

For as long as Windows existed as an OS aimed for the masses, there have been a few programs over the years that have become a staple, and these include Notepad, Paint, and WordPad.

Unlike other programs that come pre-installed with Windows (Windows 10 included), these ones are enabled by default, and could not be uninstalled or removed.

While they never did occupy much space, they were nevertheless branded as bloatware. This is especially since third-party applications starting emerging, more precisely those that are better and free as well.

As such, Microsoft seems to be heading towards a future where this “holy Trinity” of bloatware may become removable.

Notepad, Paint, and WordPad will become optional

Windows 10 20H1, also known as version 2004, will introduce multiple new features and under the hood improvements to the operating system. However, one of the highlights of this latest build is the ability to uninstall Notepad, Paint, and WordPad completely.

Many Windows 10 optional features are enabled by default and can be disabled through the Settings application in Windows 10.

In order to do so, you’ll just need to open the Optional features page via the Settings app. This will let you manage certain business apps or features such as OpenSSH Server or WMI SNMP Provider.

With this change, the list will soon be populated by even more entries.

You won’t be able to completely remove Notepad, Paint, and WordPad

Once the update hits live and the programs become optional, you can disable them just like any other service.

However, keep in mind that this will not completely remove them from your PC, it will just remove them from the Start Menu, and you won’t be able to launch it via the Run console.

This change of events should come as no surprise since talks about the future of these products have been long-standing. There was even a point when Microsoft considered removing Paint altogether from the OS and making it a Store App.

Whichever the case, this news does not mean that the programs will no longer be included in future updates. Windows 10’s 20H1 update is almost finished and Microsoft is expected to launch it for mainstream use in April or May.

What do you think will happen now that Notepad, Paint, and WordPad are optional? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and we’ll continue the talk.