Microsoft Continues to Retire Outdated Functions and Leave Windows Cleaner
Microsoft is steadily cleaning house, removing outdated features from Windows.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Another security feature headed for the recycle bin is the outdated NTLM authentication.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Let’s be honest, the only people these outdated fonts will affect significantly are those using legacy graphics software or tools.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
How does Microsoft balance the need to remove outdated features with the potential compatibility concerns for older software?
## Microsoft’s Digital Declutter: An Interview
**Intro:**
Today, we’re joined by Alex Reed, a tech analyst specializing in operating systems, to discuss Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to streamline Windows by removing outdated features.
**Host:**
Alex Reed, thanks for joining us. Microsoft is clearly taking a “spring cleaning” approach to Windows. Can you tell us a bit about what’s being removed and why?
**Alex Reed:**
Certainly. Microsoft is making a conscious effort to modernize Windows by discarding functionalities that are either outdated, insecure, or simply no longer in widespread use. You see this with the removal of things like short RSA cryptographic keys for TLS authentication, which were simply too weak for modern security standards.
**Host:**
That brings up an important point about security. We also see the removal of NTLM authentication, which, as we know from past reporting, was incredibly vulnerable to attacks.
**Alex Reed:**
Exactly. While Microsoft acknowledges that NTLM still “works,” it’s like locking your door with a flimsy latch. It might technically keep some people out, but a determined individual could easily bypass it.
Removing NTLM sends a clear message: prioritize modern, secure authentication methods. They’re even phasing out Adobe Type 1 fonts, which have been largely obsolete for years.
**Host:**
But isn’t compatibility a concern when removing functionalities that some older programs might still rely on?
**Alex Reed:**
It’s definitely a balancing act. Microsoft likely tried to maintain compatibility for as long as possible, but at some point, sticking with antiquated technologies carries more risk than reward.
Think of it like this: Windows needs to evolve and adapt, just like any software. Phasing out these older features allows Microsoft to focus on providing a more secure, stable, and efficient experience for the majority of users.
**Host:**
Interesting perspective. So, what can we expect to see from Microsoft moving forward with this cleanup process?
**Alex Reed:**
I expect to see Microsoft continue this trend. They’ll continue to evaluate older functionalities, weigh the pros and cons of keeping them, and make decisions about deprecating or removing features that no longer serve the needs of a modern operating system.
Ultimately, this approach should lead to a more streamlined and secure Windows experience.
**Host:**
Alex Reed, thank you for sharing your insights!
**Outro:**
And that’s a wrap on our interview. Be sure to check out our website for more tech news and analysis.
