Microsoft has made a significant announcement regarding the future of its server offerings, revealing that Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will be deprecated with the upcoming release of Windows Server 2025. This decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at streamlining server functionalities by phasing out outdated features and replacing them with more secure and efficient alternatives.
The news has sparked conversations among IT professionals who are now preparing for this transition. As organizations look to adapt, understanding the implications of these changes becomes essential.
Key Features Removed in Windows Server 2025
Alongside the deprecation of WSUS, Microsoft will also remove several other features in Windows Server 2025. Here’s a concise overview of the key functionalities that will no longer be available:
| Feature | Explanation |
| IIS 6 Management Console | Removed due to lack of development since Windows Server 2019. Users are encouraged to migrate to the latest IIS. |
| WordPad | Removed; Microsoft suggests using Word for rich text documents and Notepad for plain text files. |
| SMTP Server | No replacement within the OS; users should consider Exchange Server or third-party SMTP solutions. |
| Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine | Removed; users are advised to migrate to PowerShell 5.0+ for enhanced functionality and security. |
These removals are part of Microsoft’s commitment to modernizing Windows Server, encouraging users to embrace newer technologies that promise improved performance and security.
Features No Longer Under Development
In addition to the removal of certain features, Microsoft has also indicated that several functionalities will cease to be actively developed. The Computer Browser service, an older protocol for device location, is being deprecated due to security vulnerabilities. Users are advised to refrain from relying on this protocol, as it may be eliminated in future updates.
Furthermore, all versions of NTLM, including LANMAN, NTLMv1, and NTLMv2, are also on the deprecated list. While these protocols will continue to function in the next release, Microsoft recommends transitioning to the more secure Negotiate protocol, which prioritizes Kerberos authentication.
Other features facing deprecation include Remote Mailslots and TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1, both of which are considered outdated in terms of security standards. The WebDAV Redirector service and WMIC tool are also being phased out, with PowerShell being recommended as a modern alternative for WMI queries.
The deprecation of WSUS and other features presents both challenges and opportunities for IT administrators. While some may perceive these changes as disruptive, they also provide a valuable opportunity to adopt newer technologies that enhance performance and security.
Organizations that have relied on WSUS for update management will need to explore alternative solutions. This shift aligns with Microsoft’s broader cloud-first strategy, encouraging users to consider cloud-based update management options such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
