Microsoft released optional update KB3161102 for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 on July 28, 2016 "to remove Windows Journal" in supported Windows versions.
I've been notified by a German blog reader, that she received update KB3161102 on a Windows 7 SP1 and a Windows 8.1 machine. My proof showed, that Windows Update received this package on my Windows 7 SP1 machine.
What's behind update KB3161102?
Optional update KB3161102 (Update for Windows Journal component removal) has one purpose: Remove Windows Journal. This application has been shipped with all Windows versions since Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
I've used this tool, if I described it within my Windows books or if I've blogged about problems with Windows Journal. If you are asking why this update is released now: Microsoft announced a few days ago, that Windows Journal will be removed from Windows 10 Version 1607 (Anniversary Update). I've blogged about this in my German article Windows 10 Version 1607: Tschüss Windows Journal. Microsoft wrote about the reason to remove Windows Journal:
The .JNT file format used by Windows Journal (Journal Note File) has been demonstrated to be susceptible to many security exploits. Therefore, Windows Journal will be removed from all versions of Microsoft Windows soon.
Optional update KB3161102 rolled out for Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1 let users remove Windows Journal. The update will be available via Windows Update or via Microsoft Download-Center. Microsoft recommends to install this update for security reasons.
Microsoft encourages users in need for Windows Journal to download, install, and use Microsoft OneNote, a more secure alternative to Windows Journal. Microsoft provides for customers who have dependencies on Windows Journal an installable version of the Windows Journal application (KB3162655). Further details may be obtained from KB3161102.
