Microsoft has apparently removed the Windows Maps and Movies & TV apps from fresh installations of Windows 11, starting with the latest build. This update, released to Windows Insiders, Microsoft’s community for Windows enthusiasts and professionals, does not affect users who are already on a previous version of Windows 11. The apps can still be obtained from the Microsoft Store and will continue to receive updates. However, if you perform a clean install of Windows 11 going forward, these two apps will not be pre-installed.
The reason behind Microsoft’s decision has not been disclosed, but it is worth noting that these apps are rarely updated, and offline support for Windows Maps was recently removed. Deleting the apps does free up a small amount of disk space. While the impact of this move may not be significant for most Windows users, it suggests that Microsoft is working to optimize and streamline the Windows 11 operating system. In previous updates, features like Chat and the old Mail app were also removed, indicating a focus on decluttering the system. This attention to detail aligns with Microsoft’s efforts to position Windows 11 as a more efficient and streamlined operating system, especially with the integration of AI capabilities through Windows Copilot and hybrid computing.
In other news, for Windows 11 users, we recommend checking out our streaming widget for related content.
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