Microsoft plans to remove nearly 70 apps across its product families throughout 2026. It has already started, with 15 apps shut down as of January 13, 2026, according to Microsoft’s own documents. You may never encounter many of these unless you are actively in the IT industry, managing many different aspects of a Windows-based workplace.
Until now, Microsoft has sent software like Advanced Threat Analytics, which had been scheduled for obsolescence since 2020, to its ever-growing product graveyard. This was replaced by the cloud-based Azure Advanced Threat Protection. Virtualization software will also see the end of support, as Application Virtualization 5.0 and 5.1 will end service. There are many other smaller applications like this that are only really used by those deep in the bowels of an IT department, like SQL Server and Project Server 2016.
For mainstream users, the key point is that this will be the most recommended time to update your Windows 11 systems. Ends of support include two versions of Windows 11, as well as Microsoft’s final stance against holdouts for those who have not yet migrated to Office’s successor, Microsoft 365.
Windows 11 SE
Windows 11’s entire existence has been about trying to attract users to where Microsoft is. Between rejected CoPilot integrations and regular issues with updates, it’s no surprise that Microsoft is removing support for older iterations. If you still own a PC with versions 23H2 (October 31, 2023) or 24H2 (October 1, 2024), it’s time to update, as these editions of Windows 11 will no longer be supported, leaving you vulnerable to potential bad actors.
This notably includes the removal of the “SE” edition of Windows 11, a version intended to compete with ChromeOS and Google Chromebooks in the education sector. A specific Surface SE laptop launched for $250, but it’s unlikely to see a successor. Microsoft confirmed in 2025 that it would no longer provide operating system updates and even recommended “upgrading to a device” that supports the latest editions of Windows.
Windows 11 SE is another failed attempt by Microsoft to enter the lightweight operating system sector. It still supports “S Mode” on Windows 11, which was introduced to lock down systems to only support Microsoft Store apps in a managed environment. Frankly, Windows on ARM was also a mess until recent updates in recent years, with the company partnering with Qualcomm to produce ARM-based Surface devices.
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft will also remove Publisher entirely from its productivity suite on October 13, 2026. Originally introduced in 1991, Publisher has long been Microsoft’s graphic design tool for publishing. It was notably left out of the 2007 Office version, as it only received the “ribbon” toolbar in 2010.
As with the rest of Office 2021, Publisher and its LTSC status will be removed. However, this also includes Publisher 2024, as it will not return for any future iterations of the software suite. For those still using Publisher, there are also free online options for retrieving and using your original .pub files from the Microsoft program. A highly recommended alternative is Scribus, which is open source, so you can see exactly how it works under the hood.
Unfortunately, the other two most recommended alternatives are either paid or now bundled into larger packages. Adobe InDesign is still one of the top-rated desktop publishing applications, but you will be required to purchase an Adobe subscription. The other was Affinity Publisher 2, which can still be acquired, but is discontinued and bundled with Canva’s free Affinity package, which includes a Photoshop alternative that users swear by. This happened after the team behind Affinity acquired Serif in 2024.