When Windows 11 is released later this year, it will include a new design, new colours, and new functions. However, not everything in Windows 10 will be preserved after the upgrade.
Between now and the public release of Windows 11, expect a few feature additions and subtractions, but here’s all we know about what will be lost along the road.

Timeline

Perhaps you’ve never used Timeline, which is one of the reasons it’s being phased out in Windows 11. The function allows you to sync your activity over the previous 30 days across different Windows PCs (files you’ve opened, websites you’ve visited, and so on), making it quicker to switch between devices registered in with the same Microsoft account.

Live Tiles

The Live Tiles feature on the Windows 10 Start menu, which allows different bits of information to be presented and updated in real time, was not well received by developers. You’d be correct if you thought that sounded a lot like widgets. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft will attempt to bring back desktop widgets, so let’s hope they perform better than Live Tiles.

Start Menu Groups 

Another feature borrowed from the Start menu is the ability for users to organise and name tiles in categories like as productivity, writing, gaming, and so on. The Start menu’s layout will also not be resizable, implying that Microsoft intends to make the Start menu experience the same for everyone (as well as move it into the centre of the screen).

Internet Explorer

What exactly is it? Didn’t you think it was already dead? It’s still available in Windows 10 if you look hard enough, but in Windows 11, all traces of Internet Explorer will be gone, and Microsoft Edge will take its place. Use the IE mode in Edge for those really, very ancient legacy programmes and sites you still require access to for whatever reason.

Cortana

Although Microsoft’s digital assistant will not be completely removed from Windows 11, it will be removed from the setup process and will no longer be pinned to the taskbar. It’s unclear what Microsoft has planned for Cortana, but based on the capabilities introduced to it in the previous year or so, it may be recast as a business tool.

Skype

Skype will continue to be available in Windows 11, but it will not be included as an integral member as it is in Windows 10. That’s because Microsoft has shifted its attention to Teams as a solution for all of your communication requirements, including video, so expect a lot of tight Teams connections in the final Windows 11 experience.

Tablet Mode

Although Windows 10 works well on tablets like the Surface Pro as well as complete desktop and laptop computers, Windows 11 will not have a specific mode for tablet devices. Rather, this functionality will be redesigned, with part of it occurring automatically (like when you attach or detach a Bluetooth keyboard, for example).

Taskbar Location

In terms of removing customizations, the taskbar in Windows 11 can only be found at the bottom of the screen. You may not have known it, but Windows 10 allows you to move the taskbar to the left, right, or even to the top of the screen. You’re out of luck if you enjoy tinkering with your operating system.

Quick Status

Applications in Windows 10 can leave little blocks of information on the lock screen to remind you of incoming emails, impending calendar appointments, and so on. When Windows 11 ships, this feature, known as Quick Status, will be unavailable to applications, however widgets (see above) may be able to fill the void.

Windows S Mode

This is another feature that isn’t going away altogether, although you’ll see it less frequently: S Mode, which improves speed and security by only allowing programmes from the official Microsoft Store to be installed, will only be available in Windows 11 Home version. S Mode is now available for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.