Microsoft Retires Legacy Web Components in Windows
Microsoft has recently updated its list of deprecated features in client versions of Windows, informing users of the gradual phase-out of certain operating system components. However, there is no need for concern; beloved functionalities remain intact. This announcement primarily impacts legacy web elements tied to EdgeHTML, affecting web apps on Windows 8 and 8.1.
Components Being Discontinued
The deprecated features include:
- Legacy Web View
- HTML/JavaScript apps for Windows 8/8.1/UWP (formerly Hosted Web Applications and Windows Web Applications)
- Legacy Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
- Legacy Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML) DevTools
These components, built on the now-obsolete EdgeHTML engine, are officially no longer under active development. EdgeHTML was used to support the original Microsoft Edge browser prior to the transition to the more widely adopted Chromium-based version.
A Shift Towards Modern Solutions
Microsoft encourages developers to transition to modern options such as WebView2 and Chromium-based Progressive Web Apps, along with other supported web technologies. While the company has confirmed the deprecation of these components, it also emphasizes that security updates will continue to be made available until a definitive end-of-support date is announced. Currently, there are no plans to introduce new features for these legacy items.
Official Statement from Microsoft
These components, built on the EdgeHTML engine, are no longer in active development and are being phased out. While no specific retirement or end-of-support date is being committed at this time, they’re expected to eventually stop receiving non-security and security updates and will be removed from future versions of Windows.
Other Deprecated Features
In addition to the legacy web components, Microsoft has also discontinued several other features, including WMIC and PowerShell 2.0. For a comprehensive overview of all deprecated Windows features and components, you can visit the official Microsoft Learn website.
For further insights and updates, check out the original coverage here.
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