Windows 10 and 11 may be modern operating systems, but they still harbor several legacy applications from earlier versions of Windows. These tools, often overlooked, remain surprisingly useful for specific tasks. Here are six essential legacy apps that still exist in Windows 10 and 11, along with their hidden capabilities.

1. Character Map (charmap.exe)

Character Map is a small but powerful utility that has been part of Windows since Windows 3.1. It allows users to insert special characters, symbols, and Unicode characters into documents. While modern apps like Word have built-in symbol insertion, Character Map remains invaluable for:

  • Finding obscure Unicode characters
  • Copying special symbols for use in coding or design
  • Viewing font-specific glyphs not available in standard keyboards

How to Access: Press Win + R, type charmap, and hit Enter.

2. Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe)

Disk Cleanup is a classic utility that helps free up space by removing temporary files, system logs, and other unnecessary data. Despite the introduction of Storage Sense in Windows 10 and 11, Disk Cleanup offers:

  • More granular control over what gets deleted
  • The ability to clean up system files (via the "Clean up system files" button)
  • Support for older file types like Windows Update leftovers

How to Access: Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, and hit Enter.

3. Control Panel

While Microsoft has been migrating settings to the modern Settings app, the classic Control Panel still exists and provides access to advanced configurations that aren’t available elsewhere, such as:

  • Device Manager (for hardware troubleshooting)
  • Administrative Tools (like Event Viewer and Performance Monitor)
  • Network and Sharing Center (for advanced networking settings)

How to Access: Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter.

4. Notepad (Still a Hidden Power Tool)

Notepad may seem basic, but it remains a lightweight, fast text editor with hidden features:

  • Supports Unix/Linux line endings (LF) for developers
  • Can open large log files that crash modern editors
  • No formatting distractions, ideal for quick notes

How to Access: Press Win + R, type notepad, and hit Enter.

5. Windows Fax and Scan

Though faxing may seem outdated, Windows Fax and Scan is still included in Windows 10 and 11. It’s useful for:

  • Scanning documents directly to PDF or image files
  • Sending faxes via a connected fax modem (rare but still used in some industries)
  • Managing scanned documents with OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

How to Access: Search for "Fax and Scan" in the Start menu.

6. Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe)

Remote Desktop remains one of the most reliable ways to connect to another PC. Unlike third-party alternatives, it offers:

  • Native integration with Windows security (NLA encryption)
  • Support for high-resolution displays and multiple monitors
  • Clipboard and file transfer between local and remote machines

How to Access: Press Win + R, type mstsc, and hit Enter.

Why Do These Legacy Apps Still Exist?

Microsoft maintains these tools for backward compatibility and niche use cases. While newer alternatives exist, these legacy apps often provide:

  • Faster performance for specific tasks
  • More control for power users
  • Familiarity for long-time Windows users

How to Make the Most of Legacy Apps

  • Pin them to Start or Taskbar: Easily access them without remembering commands.
  • Use them in scripts: Many (like cleanmgr) can be automated via batch files.
  • Combine with modern tools: Use Character Map alongside modern design software for special symbols.

The Future of Legacy Apps in Windows

Microsoft is gradually phasing out some legacy components, but many remain due to their reliability. As Windows evolves, these apps may eventually be replaced—so enjoy them while they last!

Did we miss any hidden legacy apps you still use? Let us know in the comments!