Microsoft Continues to Retire Outdated Functions and Leave Windows Cleaner
Microsoft is steadily cleaning house, removing outdated features from Windows. While some removals are ignored by most users, this year’s scrub revealed some forgotten functionalities that will leave Microsoft’s legacy behind.
## Farewell to Tiny Keys and Unsecured Systems
One of the first victims this year were short RSA cryptographic keys used for TLS authentication.
These underpowered keys, measured at less than 2048 bits, fell short of recommendations from internet standardization authorities, who recommended using keys of at least
2048 bits over a decade ago.
Clearly, Microsoft was behind the curve. However, keeping older technologies around solely for compatibility reasons, while not ideal, sounds about right when talking about a behemoth product like Windows.
Another security feature headed for the recycle bin is the outdated NTLM authentication. This technology used to form the bedrock of logging into older versions of the operating system.
While Microsoft acknowledges this doesn’t stop functioning, it was shockingly easy to crack – as even our own writers demonstrated 14 years ago – so its removal is more than overdue.
Interestingly, Microsoft states that, for now, NTLM Authentication will stick around to accommodate the specific needs of businesses.
However, it will not be getting any further development. This essentially means that anyone who chooses to stick with this insecure method
is knowingly putting themselves at risk.
## Fonts Fade and 3D Dreams Die
Beyond security features, some less-used functionalities are being retired as well.
Adobe Type 1 fonts, like digital dinosaurs of a bygone era, are being put out to pasture.
While Adobe itself stopped supporting them long ago, it seems Microsoft held on for longer than most, likely out of compatibility considerations.
Let’s be honest, the only people these outdated fonts will affect significantly are those using legacy graphics software or tools. TrueType
and OpenType are far more common these days, leaving Type 1 gathering dust.
But perhaps the most heartbreaking goodbye goes to Microsoft Paint 3D.
Once touted as the future of Windows creativity, this app struggled to catch on. While some may have dreamed of pixel
pushing with ease, most creatives stuck with established software like Photoshop or Affinity. Paint 3D was quietly retired throughout last year and vanished entirely from the Store in November, leaving its 3D dreams
unfulfilled.
The only question is, why stop at Paint 3D?
Might we see attempts to retire some of the legacy virtual surfaces – for example those associated with Microsoft’s “old-school”. Finally someone
is staring the death knell for those boring old silverlight startup menus?
## Broader Implications
This year’s retirement of several functionalities highlights a necessary, ongoing process. Maintaining a massive
software ecosystem like Windows requires difficult decisions.
While some see these updates as incoming changes, others may have been surprised to discover forgotten features they never
knew existed. This definitely proves the old adage holds true – the older I accompany this, the more we need to embrace the concept of “initial release.”
While they often lead to another onslaught of bugs and exploits for safety-conscious users. The
more mature, the better. And potentially,
they are more satisfying. Maybe they
would be satisfied with cleaning up the older generation and
Introducing something truly fresh and innovative, rather than just polishing up existing systems.
But we don’t.
We still have some spiderwebs,
but at least those that show
that
What specific business needs might require continued support for NTLM authentication despite its vulnerabilities?
## Interview: Microsoft Bids Farewell to Outdated Features
**Host:** Welcome back to Tech Talk. Today, we’re discussing Microsoft’s recent push to retire outdated features from Windows. Joining us is tech analyst, Emily Carter, to shed some light on these changes. Emily, thanks for joining us.
**Emily:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, Microsoft seems to be doing some spring cleaning, removing functionalities that many users may not even remember. What’s the motivation behind this move?
**Emily:** You’re right, it’s a bit of a digital decluttering. Primarily, Microsoft aims to enhance security and streamline the Windows experience.
Many of these retired features, like the short RSA keys and NTLM authentication, are frankly outdated and pose security risks. Removing them strengthens Windows’ overall security posture.
**Host:** Interestingly, Microsoft states that it will continue to support NTLM for business needs, despite acknowledging its vulnerabilities. Can you elaborate on that?
**Emily:** Indeed. Microsoft understands that some businesses rely on legacy systems, and an abrupt removal could disrupt their operations. However, by stating that NTLM won’t receive any further development, Microsoft is essentially signaling that it’s a technology on borrowed time. Businesses should start migrating to more secure authentication methods.
**Host:** Beyond security features, we’re also seeing the retirement of functionalities like Adobe Type 1 fonts. Why are these being phased out?
**Emily:**
Mainly due to obsolescence.
Adobe Type 1 fonts are a relic of a bygone era, rarely used today.
Microsoft likely kept them around for compatibility reasons, but they’ve now finally decided to let them go.
This frees up resources and simplifies the operating system.
**Host:** So, these changes seem to be about modernization and security?
**Emily:**
Exactly. Microsoft is looking to the future, focusing on providing a
cleaner, safer, and more efficient Windows experience for users. While some might miss these outdated features, in the long run, this cleanup is beneficial for everyone.
**Host:**
Thank you for your insights, Emily. This has been a truly insightful discussion.
**Emily:**
My pleasure.
