Microsoft has declared its move to remove the Problem Steps Recorder tool from Windows 11.
When Microsoft first released Windows 7 in 2009, Steps Recorder was known as Problem Steps Recorder. It’s a straightforward screen recording tool that records user activity.
The tool’s primary purpose was to automatically generate problem captures for use as proof or support.
The Steps Recorder is compatible with all current versions of Windows, although it hasn’t seen any recent functional changes.
Steps Recorder is officially deprecated, according to a support page on Microsoft’s website. In early 2024, Microsoft intends to update Steps Recorder once again to add a banner alerting users of the tool’s demise.
Microsoft stated the removal is part of its “ongoing commitment to enhance and innovate the Windows experience.”
The reason for the removal from Windows 11 withdrawal is unknown. Possible factors include software abandonment, a lack of interest from customers, or Microsoft’s preference for pushing consumers to switch to its other products. The deprecation can be part of Microsoft’s plan to “streamline” its services and “Focus on producing more advanced and integrated tools” for Windows customers.
In early 2024, Steps Recorder will notify users of the deprecation with a banner. The date that Microsoft plans to remove the software from Windows has not yet been disclosed.
Microsoft says Steps Recorder will still work with older versions of Windows.
