Microsoft Encarta 2021 ((install)) May 2026
Microsoft Encarta was a pioneer of the digital encyclopedia age, originally released in 1993. For over 15 years, it served as a primary research tool for students and families, offering:
The final official version was , which ceased sales in June 2009. Microsoft cited shifts in how people consume information—primarily the rise of free, collaborative platforms like Wikipedia and search engines like Google—as the reason for its retirement. Why People Search for "Encarta 2021" microsoft encarta 2021
The search for a 2021 or modern version of Encarta is driven by several factors: Microsoft Encarta was a pioneer of the digital