Microsoft is moving toward a lighter, more modular Windows 11 experience by trimming the number of built-in apps. In the developer beta of Windows 11, the discovery of a feature that lets users remove core apps like Photo and Camera has sparked conversations about how lean the OS can become. This change appears first in a recent beta build for developers, signaling a shift in how Microsoft envisions user customization and system footprint.
Build 23585 for Windows 11 developers introduced the user-facing option to uninstall Photos and Camera, marking another step in the ongoing process of slimming the default software load. In the past, Microsoft already pulled out Movies & TV and Maps from the default installation, reflecting a broader trend toward giving users control over what stays on their device. Looking ahead, it’s anticipated that Tips, WordPad, and Cortana may follow suit in future updates, though Microsoft has not provided a precise timeline for when those removals might occur. The exact timing behind these changes remains undisclosed, leaving some users waiting to see which apps will be eligible for removal in upcoming updates.
Industry observers note that the motive behind these adjustments is to speed up performance and improve responsiveness by letting users uninstall applications they do not use regularly. By reducing the number of preinstalled programs, Windows aims to streamline updates, free up storage space, and tailor the experience to individual preferences. This approach aligns with broader trends in operating systems that prioritize modularity, allowing users to keep only the components they actually rely on for daily tasks.
On the topic of native assistance, Microsoft phased out Cortana in Windows 10 and 11 during the summer of 2023. Cortana, which debuted with the platform in 2015, never managed to gain lasting traction among a broad user base. The decision to end support reflected shifting priorities and the company’s focus on next-generation productivity tools rather than traditional voice-assisted features in the core OS.
In a related development, Microsoft introduced Copilot, a built-in assistant built on advanced AI, designed to work across Windows 11. This feature leverages the capabilities of GPT-4 technology to provide contextual help, automate routine tasks, and integrate with the broader suite of Microsoft products. Copilot represents Microsoft’s strategic pivot toward AI-assisted workflows that aim to enhance productivity while maintaining a streamlined system experience. The move signals a continued emphasis on empowering users with smart, context-aware guidance without the clutter of too many preinstalled staples that do not align with individual needs.
Overall, the evolving strategy reflects a balance between keeping essential functionality accessible and granting users the freedom to customize their environment. As updates roll out, the emphasis appears to be on configurable essentials, AI-powered assistance through Copilot, and the ability to trim the operating system to better fit personal and business use cases. For Windows users in North America, these changes suggest a future where the default setup becomes a starting point rather than a fixed template, allowing for faster setup times and a more responsive, personalized experience.