Microsoft is officially removing its Mobile Plans app from Windows 11. The app was originally designed to help users manage their mobile data connections, but it will no longer be available. Instead, its functions are now part of the Windows 11 Settings menu.
This change mainly affects people using devices that support cellular connectivity, such as laptops or tablets with either a physical SIM card slot or an embedded SIM (eSIM).
Key takeaways
- The standalone Mobile Plans app is being removed from Windows 11.
- All features for managing cellular data and eSIM profiles are now located in the Settings app.
- The app was intended to help users find and subscribe to mobile data plans from supported carriers.
- Microsoft is centralizing network management into a single, familiar location.
Microsoft first introduced the Mobile Plans app during the Windows 10 era to support the rise of “Always Connected PCs.” These devices came with cellular modems, allowing users to stay online through mobile data in much the same way as a smartphone. The app acted as a digital storefront where users could browse, purchase, and manage plans from mobile carriers directly on their computer. It was especially useful for eSIM technology, which lets you activate a plan digitally without inserting a physical SIM card.
The decision to retire the app seems to fit into Microsoft’s broader effort to simplify Windows 11. Rather than requiring a separate app to handle cellular connectivity, all related controls are now built directly into the operating system’s settings. This creates a more unified space where Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, and cellular connections can all be managed together.
For those who previously relied on the Mobile Plans app, the process has simply moved. To add or manage an eSIM profile or check mobile data usage, you can head to Settings > Network & internet > Cellular. There, you will still be able to connect to networks, manage data usage, and configure eSIM profiles much as you would on a smartphone.
Although the app itself offered a different interface, the main functionality is still present. For most people using cellular-enabled Windows devices, this will likely feel like a minor adjustment rather than a significant loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What was the Mobile Plans app in Windows?
A. The Mobile Plans app was a utility in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allowed users to find, purchase, and manage cellular data plans from supported mobile carriers, particularly for devices with eSIMs.
Q. Why is Microsoft removing the Mobile Plans app?
A. Microsoft is removing the app to integrate its features directly into the Windows 11 Settings menu. This consolidates network management functions into a single location, simplifying the user experience by removing a separate, somewhat redundant application.
Q. How do I manage my cellular or eSIM plan in Windows 11 now?
A. You can manage your cellular data and eSIM profiles by going to Settings > Network & internet > Cellular. All the options to add a new plan, switch between plans, and monitor data usage are available there.
Q. Will removing the app affect my current mobile data plan?
A. No, removing the app will not affect your existing cellular data plan with your mobile operator. The change only affects how you manage the plan on your Windows 11 device. Your service will continue to work without interruption.
Q. Is the Mobile Plans app also being removed from Windows 10?
A. The current announcements and changes are focused on Windows 11. Microsoft has not officially stated if the app will also be removed from Windows 10, which continues to have a separate support lifecycle.
