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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

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Another feature bites the dust, Microsoft to deprecate Steps Recorder in Windows 11

Although, you have several built-in alternatives

3 min. read

Published onJune 6, 2024

published onJune 6, 2024

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In the last few months, Microsoft has been removing older, legacy features in Windows 11, with programs likeWordPadandWindows Driver Verifier GUIbeing deprecated. The latest to the list isSteps Recorder (psr.exe), a feature that has been part of the Windows ecosystem for over a decade.

According toMicrosoft’s deprecated features list,

Although I haven’t used it much,Steps Recorderis a great tool, especially for admins and the help desk. The program records every activity on the device and presents it in the form of annotated steps, along with a screenshot dedicated to each step and a clear timeline.

Also, towards the end, you find data specific to the on-screen app, providing valuable insights into the troubleshooting process.

I agree thatSteps Recorderisn’t the best of the tools in Windows 11, more specifically in terms of UI(User Interface). It hasn’t evolved much over time, offering the same interface as the older versions.

On the other hand, the alternatives are much better in terms of performance and streamlined with the overall OS experience, be itSnipping Tool,Xbox Game Bar, orMicrosoft Champ. But they sure lack automatic annotation capabilities!

Microsoft has, in the latest Windows update, added a banner toSteps Recorderthat reads,The tool is being phased out, to inform users of the change. However, it hasn’t yet disclosed the actual deprecation date or the OS update that enforces the change. I would guess that it’s, most likely,Windows 11 24H2.

Many users disapprove of Microsoft’s decision to deprecate Steps Recorder in Windows 11

As Microsoft works hard to make Windows 11 a user-oriented and streamlined OS, the deprecation ofSteps Recordercomes as a surprise. Because many long-time Windows users frequently rely on the built-in screen recorder.

Surprisingly,Microsoft Supportalso, at times, asks users to capture data withSteps Recorderbecause of the way it presents each step. Here’s what a few of them said:

In my experience, Microsoft is likely phasing outSteps Recorderbecause it’s not as popular as the existing alternatives. And given the legacy code, maintaining and updating the feature is too much of a hassle for Microsoft.

If you want to continue usingSteps Recorder (psr.exe), Microsoft has confirmed that it would work in Windows 11 versions prior to the early2024release. So,disabling Windows updatesis an option, although not the most viable one!

What do you think about Microsoft deprecatingSteps Recorderin Windows 11? Share with our readers in the comments section.

More about the topics:microsoft,Windows 11

Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.

Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.

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Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Another feature bites the dust, Microsoft to deprecate Steps Recorder in Windows 11#

Many users disapprove of Microsoft’s decision to deprecate Steps Recorder in Windows 11#