As we approach 2025, it’s essential to review the significant features that Microsoft deprecated or removed from Windows 10 and 11 throughout 2024. While the 2024 list may not be as extensive as that of 2023, several notable functionalities have been retired. Here’s a comprehensive overview of those changes to help you navigate what features are no longer available or on the verge of being phased out.
Here’s how the content is structured:
- Windows Subsystem for Android
- Test Base
- TLS Server Authentication Certificates with Certain RSA Keys
- Password Payload in MPR Notifications
- Microsoft Defender Application Guard
- Driver Verifier GUI
- NTLM
- DirectAccess
- Adobe Type 1 Fonts
- Paint3D
- Legacy DRM Services
- Suggested Actions
Overview of Deprecated Features in Windows 2024
1. Windows Subsystem for Android
Deprecated: March 2024
One of the most notable changes is the discontinuation of Android app support, previously highlighted as a key feature of Windows 11. Users can no longer download the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) or the Amazon App Store. Although existing installations will function until March 5, 2025, Microsoft has not offered an official rationale for this decision, though insiders suggest the project faced insurmountable challenges from the outset.
2. Test Base
Deprecated: March 2024
The Test Base service, a cloud-based Azure solution for application testing, was discontinued on June 1, 2024. Microsoft attributed the closure to advancements in Windows 11, which addressed a majority of application compatibility issues, rendering the service obsolete.
3. TLS Server Authentication Certificates with Certain RSA Keys
Deprecated: March 2024
To enhance security protocols, Microsoft deprecated RSA keys shorter than 2048 bits for certificates. This step is essential for improving the robustness of authentication and cryptographic functionalities.
4. Password Payload in MPR Notifications
Deprecated: March 2024
In a move to strengthen security, Microsoft has deprecated NPLogonNotify and NPPasswordChangeNotify APIs in Windows 11, starting with version 24H2. These changes are aimed at mitigating the risk of password exposure, although organizations needing these APIs can still access them through a special policy.
5. Microsoft Defender Application Guard
Deprecated: April 2024
The Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), a security feature designed to isolate potentially harmful websites in a secure Microsoft Edge instance, was discontinued in May 2024. This feature was also available on browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
6. Driver Verifier GUI
Deprecated: May 2024
The graphical user interface for Driver Verifier, a tool for stress-testing Windows drivers, has been deprecated. Users are now encouraged to utilize the command line alternatives instead.
7. NTLM
Deprecated: June 2024
Microsoft’s New Technology LAN Manager (NTLM) protocol is deprecated, with suggestions to transition to Negotiate calls. It is noteworthy that despite earlier promises of retention, Microsoft began the actual removal of NTLM capabilities from consumer and server editions of Windows in December 2024.
8. DirectAccess
Deprecated: June 2024
DirectAccess, which enabled remote corporate network connections since its inception in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, is now deprecated in favor of Always-On VPN, representing a shift to more reliable remote connectivity options.
9. Adobe Type 1 Fonts
Deprecated: August 2024
Following Adobe’s earlier withdrawal of Type 1 font support, Microsoft has followed suit, deprecating this functionality to maintain compatibility with modern applications. Users are encouraged to remove these fonts through the Settings menu.
10. Paint3D
Deprecated: August 2024
The attempt to modernize the classic Paint with 3D capabilities, known as Paint3D, is no longer accessible from the Microsoft Store as of its deprecation in August 2024. Users can still opt to install it manually for nostalgic purposes.
11. Legacy DRM Services
Deprecated: September 2024
This change mainly impacts users of Windows 7, 8, and Xbox 360, as the end of legacy DRM services means that protected content can no longer be played through Windows Media Player or Silverlight.
12. Suggested Actions
Deprecated: December 2024
The most recent feature to be deprecated, Suggested Actions, allowed users to quickly perform tasks such as making calls, scheduling events, and searching online. Introduced in build 25115, this feature will be removed in a future Windows 11 update.
In conclusion, a total of 12 features have been deprecated by Microsoft in 2024. As users, are there any of these features that you will particularly miss?
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