deprecation Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Firefox extends Windows 7 support for at least another six months

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox on older Windows operating systems, with the new deadline for Firefox Old ESR set to August 19, 2025. Official support for Firefox on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will continue until September 2025, with a reassessment of this timeline planned for August. The extended support applies to Firefox 115 (Old ESR) and Firefox 128 (ESR), which will be deprecated on September 16, 2025. After this date, users must upgrade to a newer version of Windows and transition to Firefox 140 ESR to continue using the browser.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Deprecation approaches for WSUS driver synchronization

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of driver synchronization through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), effective April 18, 2025. After this date, drivers will still be available through the Microsoft Update Catalog for on-premises environments, but importing them directly into WSUS will no longer be possible. A 2024 survey indicated that 34 percent of respondents were using WSUS for driver synchronization, with 8 percent expressing concerns about the deprecation. Alternatives to WSUS include Device Driver Packages, Microsoft Intune, and Windows Autopatch. WSUS has been included in the deprecation list since September 2024, and while it remains operational, Microsoft has stopped active development on it.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

4 reasons you should still use the Legacy Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 11

Windows includes various legacy utilities, with Disk Cleanup being a reliable tool for reclaiming storage space. Unlike the automated Storage Sense feature, Disk Cleanup allows manual operation to remove old Windows Update files. Users can access it via the Run dialog or Start menu, and it provides options to clear cache and the Recycle Bin. Disk Cleanup can also be scheduled to run automatically using Task Scheduler. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive view of removable items, making it more efficient than Storage Sense. There are concerns about the potential deprecation of Disk Cleanup, but it remains essential for managing storage on Windows 11.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft wants you to understand why “deprecation” of Windows features is good for you

Microsoft periodically announces the deprecation of certain features, functionalities, or services within its Windows operating system, which are detailed on the official Microsoft Learn feature deprecation web page. Deprecation indicates that a feature or service is no longer under active development and is planned for removal in future releases, but it does not signify the end of a product's lifecycle. During the deprecation period, deprecated products continue to receive support, although they will not be developed further. The timeline for this can span several years, allowing users to adapt. The end of support for Windows 10 is scheduled for later this year, and Microsoft has revised its offer for a "limited-time free upgrade" to Windows 11.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft quietly removes official Windows 11 CPU/TPM bypass for unsupported PCs

In October 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, version 21H2, and provided a workaround for users with unsupported PCs to upgrade. This workaround involved modifying the Registry to bypass CPU and TPM compatibility checks. However, Microsoft has since removed this workaround from its support documentation after the release of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a shift in its approach. The company now recommends purchasing new hardware for compatibility with Windows 11 and does not endorse upgrades on unsupported devices.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft explains why it’s deprecating legacy features on Windows 11 like WordPad

Microsoft is evolving Windows 11 by introducing new features and deprecating certain legacy applications and tools, particularly in the Windows 11 24H2 release. The company aims to modernize the operating system and reallocate resources towards new developments. Deprecation serves as a preliminary warning to users rather than an immediate removal of features. Recently, WordPad was announced for deprecation and will be removed with the Windows 11 24H2 release on October 1, 2024, while other applications like Paint 3D have been deprecated but remain available. Deprecated products will still receive support until their official retirement, although they will not undergo active development. Other recently deprecated features include Suggested Actions and legacy DRM services associated with Windows Media Player, with uncertain timelines for their removal.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft wants to convince you that deprecating Windows features is a good thing, actually

Microsoft addressed feature deprecation in a blog post, clarifying that deprecation is a notification that a product may soon be retired, not an immediate removal. Deprecated products will continue to receive support until their official removal, though they will not undergo active development. The timeline from deprecation announcement to retirement can span several years, allowing users time to transition to alternatives. Microsoft encourages users to seek alternatives before the official end-of-use date to ensure a smoother transition. The company acknowledges that losing familiar features can be unsettling, particularly for long-standing tools like the Control Panel, but emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Zero-day Windows NTLM hash vulnerability gets patched by third-party —credentials can be hijacked by merely viewing a malicious file in File Explorer

In June 2023, Microsoft announced the deprecation of the NTLM authentication protocol and recommended transitioning to the Windows Negotiate protocol. Security firm 0Patch discovered a new vulnerability in NTLM that allows credential hijacking by merely viewing an infected folder. Patches for Windows 11 are expected soon, but older systems like Windows 7 remain vulnerable. Windows 10 is nearing its end-of-life phase in October 2024, and users may need a paid support plan for continued coverage. 0Patch has not reported any attacks exploiting this NTLM issue in the wild, and their micropatch addresses a specific vulnerable NTLM instruction. However, this patch is unofficial, and users should consider their risk tolerance before installation.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Users beg for Windows 11 to keep its ability to run Android apps

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), initially introduced with Windows 11 in 2021 and released in 2022. The Amazon Appstore and all associated apps and games will cease to function by March 5, 2025. Users can continue to use the Amazon Appstore and Android applications until the deprecation date of March 5, 2024. The decision has led to significant backlash from users, with many expressing concerns about the lack of alternatives for popular applications on Windows and the importance of WSA for testing Android applications. Some users have chosen devices like the Surface Pro specifically for the ability to run Android apps. Microsoft has indicated that it does not derive significant revenue from WSA, making it unlikely to reverse its decision.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 ditches Defender Application Guard and browser extensions on Edge

Microsoft has confirmed the deprecation of Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) in the Windows 11 24H2 update, with the feature set to be phased out by June 2024. This change primarily affects enterprise users and does not significantly impact home users. MDAG, previously known as Windows Defender Application Guard, was designed to enhance security by isolating potentially harmful websites in a secure virtual machine environment. The associated Windows Isolated app launcher APIs have also been eliminated. Microsoft stated that the latest version of Windows 11 includes robust security measures that make MDAG unnecessary, and the enhanced security features in Microsoft Edge protect users from threats like phishing and data loss. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad in the Windows 11 24H2 update.