Microsoft Continues to Retire Outdated Functions and Leave Windows Cleaner
Microsoft is steadily cleaning house, removing outdated features from Windows.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Another security feature headed for the recycle bin is the outdated NTLM authentication.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Let’s be honest, the only people these outdated fonts will affect significantly are those using legacy graphics software or tools.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 are some examples of less-used functionalities that Microsoft has retired from Windows?
## Microsoft Tidies Up Windows, Saying Goodbye to Outdated Features
**[Host]:** Welcome back to Tech Talk. Joining us today is tech analyst [Alex Reed name], here to discuss Microsoft’s recent move to remove several outdated features from its Windows operating system.
[Alex Reed name], thanks for joining us.
**[Alex Reed]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**[Host]:** So, Microsoft seems to be on a cleaning spree, removing features that have become antiquated. What are some of the most notable feature removals this year?
**[Alex Reed]:** Yes, Microsoft is taking steps to modernize Windows by sunsetting legacy features. Some key removals include short RSA cryptographic keys used for TLS authentication, which were deemed underpowered and inadequate for modern security standards [[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/removed-features)]. They’ve also removed support for the outdated NTLM authentication protocol, which was known for its security vulnerabilities.
**[Host]:** Security seems to be a major driver behind these changes. Is that correct?
**[Alex Reed]:** Absolutely. Microsoft is prioritizing the security of its users and recognizing that outdated technologies pose a significant risk. While some of these features like NTLM might still function, they are highly susceptible to attacks.
**[Host]:** There are also some less-used functionalities being retired, like Adobe Type 1 fonts. Why do you think Microsoft is removing these?
**[Alex Reed]:** These removals are likely driven by a combination of factors. Adobe Type 1 fonts, for example, haven’t been supported by Adobe for a long time. Removing them simplifies the Windows codebase and reduces potential compatibility headaches going forward.
**[Host]:**
So, it sounds like this is a positive step towards a more streamlined and secure Windows experience, right?
**[Alex Reed]:** I would say so. While some users might experience minor inconveniences in the short term, these changes ultimately contribute to a more stable, secure, and efficient operating system for everyone in the long run.
**[Host]:** [Alex Reed name], thanks for shedding light on these changes. It’s great to see Microsoft taking steps to maintain the health and security of its iconic operating system.
**[Alex Reed]:** My pleasure.
