Microsoft has announced plans to remove several long-standing apps from its Windows 11 operating system. In addition to Wordpad, a dedicated RTF editor, it has also decided to remove the Steps Recorder.
When Microsoft launched Windows 7 in 2009, Steps Recorder, initially known as Problem Steps Recorder, was introduced. It is a simple recording tool that captures the user’s actions on the screen. The main purpose of the tool was to automatically create captures of issues to provide them as evidence or for support.
All recent versions of Windows have supported Steps Recorder, but it has not received any functional updates in a long time. The application can still be accessed by typing “Steps Recorder” in the Start or Search menu.
The interface is basic and offers only a few options. Users are able to adjust the output file directory and the number of screen captures that the application stores. The recordings are saved as ZIP files containing an MHT file which opens in Microsoft Edge, with each step including a screenshot and automatically added information such as window names and other user actions. Users also have the option to add a comment to further explain an action.
When Windows 10 version 20H1 was released, Microsoft turned Steps Recorder into an optional feature, alongside WordPad, Paint, Microsoft Quick Assist and Microsoft Windows User Experience. While Paint and Quick Assist have received a second chance, the same cannot be said for WordPad and Steps Recorder. These tools remain deprecated and their removal is imminent.
Steps Recorder Deprecation and Removal
According to a support article on Microsoft’s website, Steps Recorder is deprecated. Microsoft plans to update Steps Recorder one more time in early 2024 to include a banner informing users of the tool about its end.
The banner reads: “This tool is being phased out. Click here to explore alternatives”. The link opens the support page, where Microsoft explains that the removal is part of its “ongoing commitment to enhance and innovate the Windows experience”.
Steps Recorder will show a banner in early 2024 to inform users about the deprecation, although Microsoft has yet to announce when it will be removing the program from Windows. Older versions of Windows will continue to support Steps Recorder according to the company.
Steps Recorder Alternatives that Microsoft suggests
Microsoft suggests three in-house alternatives for using the Steps Recorder:
- Snipping Tool, which is a screen capture and recording tool. The program’s screen recorder is the option that Microsoft suggests to use to capture issues on the system.
- Xbox Game Bar, which includes screen recording functionality as well.
- ClipChamp, a video editing tool that can also be used to record the screen.
Although all three tools offer screen recording functionality, none of them automatically add information about the user’s actions to the recordings. There is also no direct option to add comments. While it may be possible to record voice to add the missing information, or use video editing tools to show comments, it is not as elegant and definitely time-consuming to do so.
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