Microsoft Cleans House: These Features Are Getting the Axe
Windows users are already familiar with the cycle: Microsoft announces it’s discontinuing an old feature, triggering a mix of nostalgia and relief, and marking another step in the ongoing modernization of the operating system.
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This year’s list of features facing the chopping block includes a diverse bunch, from once-essential tools to truly forgotten relics.
##
Surprisingly Short RSA Keys
In March, Microsoft announced that it was deprecating RSA keys shorter than 2048 bits used for TLS authentication.
While technically still functional, these shorter keys simply haven’t met modern cybersecurity standards for years. The internet standardization bodies have recommended using keys of at least this length since 2014,
meaning Microsoft is just catching up with security practices that are more
than a decade old.
This move, while necessary for improved security, is exemplary of the juggling act Microsoft faces. On one hand, it wants to keep its software aligned with current standards, but on the other hand, it has to maintain backward compatibility, particularly for businesses still using outdated systems.
##
Saying Farewell to NTLM
In June, Microsoft added another security feature to its list of deprecated features: NTLM authentication. Once the bedrock of logging into older versions of Windows, vulnerabilities in NTLM were publicly documented years ago.
Despite being vulnerable to attack, Microsoft committed to maintaining support for it for specific business needs.
While NTLM will be officially deprecated, it’s important to note that this webpage signals its end of life. NTLM will remain part of the Windows landscape for a time,
at first only receiving critical bug fixes. While Microsoft doesn’t foresee any single critical vulnerabilities [as opposed to security Google
carrying the bulk of vulnerabilities for Timely access to the Vail to the public. Microsoft focuses on emphasizing the importance of moving to safer authentication
methods, best avoiding NTLM altogether.
## Type 1 Fonts Meet Their Denouement
Adobe Type 1 fonts landed on the chopping block this year, marking the end of a technology that once held sway over graphics.
These fonts, often seen using the PostScript moniker (PostScript/PS1/TS1), haven’t been supported by Adobe for
a while, likely prompting Microsoft to finally put them out to pasture as well.
This change leavesthe vast majority of users振り返りエ
## Farewell to Paint 3D
At the end of August, the ax fell on Microsoft Paint 3D. Years ago, it was touted as the future of creativity within Windows, but it never caught on.
Most real creators kept with their trusty favorites, like Photoshop, Affinity, and others.
Paint 3D, unfortunately, ended up just like the story, ending its life on the Mover Store at the end of November. The end of a brief experiment. This serves as a reminder: stick to
returning to what the people want and not just what corporations translate
to
the term “innovation” instead.
## Trimming Windows 7’s Legacy
Finally, this year sees the removal of some outdated Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies.
Out goes support for DRM inodiffering roles bIt highlights the ongoing phase-out of technology. Windows Media Player,
Silverlight (a forgotten rival to Adobe Flash), and Windows 7 are on the chopping block. These removals highlight the constant evolution of the technology world,
even the remnants of bygone eras are eventually relegated to the archives.
Microsoft’s
What security risks are associated with using RSA keys shorter than 2048 bits?
## Microsoft’s ’Clean House’ – An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to Tech Talk! Today we’re discussing Microsoft’s latest round of deprecated features, a move that’s generating buzz around incompatibility and security. Joining us is tech analyst Sarah Jones to help unpack these changes. Sarah, thanks for being here.
**Sarah:** My pleasure. It’s always interesting to see Microsoft making these kinds of updates. It underscores their commitment to keeping their platform secure and modern.
**Host:** Let’s dive in.
The article mentions the deprecation of RSA keys shorter than 2048 bits for TLS authentication. This seems like a long time coming, given industry recommendations have existed since 2014.
What are your thoughts on this move?
**Sarah:** Absolutely. It’s overdue, really. While shorter keys technically still function, they’re simply not robust enough in today’s security landscape [[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/release-plan/2024wave2/deprecations)]. Microsoft is essentially aligning itself with best practices, even if it means some older systems might struggle to keep up.
**Host:** And then there’s NTLM, a familiar name to many long-time Windows users. It’s officially deprecated too. What does this mean for those still reliant on it?
**Sarah:** NTLM has served its purpose, but its vulnerabilities have been known for years [[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/release-plan/2024wave2/deprecations)].
Microsoft is taking a measured approach, transitioning away from it while still offering critical bug fixes for now. It’s about balancing security with the need to support legacy systems.
**Host:** This brings up a crucial point.
How minimal are these disruptions for businesses still relying on these older technologies?
**Sarah:** That’s the million-dollar question. Some businesses may experience bumps in the road, especially if they haven’t been updating their infrastructure.
Ultimately, these deprecations highlight the importance of proactive updates and staying ahead of the curve in terms of security and compatibility.
**Host:** Wise words, Sarah. Thanks for shedding light on this important topic.
- **[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/release-plan/2024wave2/deprecations)** – Microsoft’s deprecation notice for 2024 Wave 2 releases.
